Spectrin-based pathways underlying electrical and mechanical dysfunction in cardiac disease

Identification of bone mineral density associated genes with shared genetic architectures across multiple tissues: Functional insights for EPDR1, PKDCC, and SPTBN1

Recent studies suggest a shared genetic architecture between muscle and bone, yet the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. This study aims to identify the functionally annotated genes with shared genetic architecture between muscle and bone using the most up-to-date genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from bone mineral density (BMD) and fracture-related genetic variants. We employed an advanced statistical functional mapping method to investigate shared genetic architecture between muscle and bone, focusing on genes highly expressed in muscle tissue. Our analysis identified three genes, EPDR1, PKDCC, and SPTBN1, which are highly expressed in muscle tissue and previously unlinked to bone metabolism. About 90% and 85% of filtered Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms were in the intronic and intergenic regions for the threshold at P≤5×10-8 and P≤5×10-100, respectively. EPDR1 was highly expressed in multiple tissues, including muscles, adrenal glands, blood vessels, and the thyroid. SPTBN1 was highly expressed in all 30 tissue types except blood, while PKDCC was highly expressed in all 30 tissue types except the brain, pancreas, and skin. Our study provides a framework for using GWAS findings to highlight functional evidence of crosstalk between multiple tissues based on shared genetic architecture between muscle and bone. Further research should focus on functional validation, multi-omics data integration, gene-environment interactions, and clinical relevance in musculoskeletal disorders.

Spectrin-Based Regulation of Cardiac Fibroblast Cell-Cell Communication

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) maintain the fibrous extracellular matrix (ECM) that supports proper cardiac function. Cardiac injury induces a transition in the activity of CFs to promote cardiac fibrosis. CFs play a critical role in sensing local injury signals and coordinating the organ level response through paracrine communication to distal cells. However, the mechanisms by which CFs engage cell-cell communication networks in response to stress remain unknown. We tested a role for the action-associated cytoskeletal protein βIV-spectrin in regulating CF paracrine signaling. Conditioned culture media (CCM) was collected from WT and βIV-spectrin deficient (qv4J) CFs. WT CFs treated with qv4J CCM showed increased proliferation and collagen gel compaction compared to control. Consistent with the functional measurements, qv4J CCM contained higher levels of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines and increased concentration of small extracellular vesicles (30-150 nm diameter, exosomes). Treatment of WT CFs with exosomes isolated from qv4J CCM induced a similar phenotypic change as that observed with complete CCM. Treatment of qv4J CFs with an inhibitor of the βIV-spectrin-associated transcription factor, STAT3, decreased the levels of both cytokines and exosomes in conditioned media. This study expands the role of the βIV-spectrin/STAT3 complex in stress-induced regulation of CF paracrine signaling.

Sanwei sandalwood decoction ameliorates acute ischemiareperfusion injury in rats by modulating myocyte electrophysiological characteristics

Sanwei sandalwood decoction (SWTX) is a classical Chinese medicine formula and clinically effective treatment for coronary heart disease, including myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Because the treatment mechanism of SWTX in I/R injury remains obscure, we intended to analyze the potential cardioprotective effects of SWTX in rats with myocardial I/R injury. Our research revealed that SWTX prolonged ventricular conduction time in a dose-dependent manner. While SWTX significantly delayed left ventricular signal conduction velocity, it had no effect on left atrial conduction velocity. Under sinus conditions, low SWTX concentrations reduced left ventricular conduction dispersion, while high concentrations increased conduction dispersion. SWTX also prolonged the QRS interval, APD30/50/90, and ERP. In whole-cell patch clamp experiments on myocytes, Ito and Ikr were inhibited by SWTX. While SWTX had no effect on I_Na, the activation curve for Nav1.5 was left-shifted. Finally, SWTX reduced the probability of ventricular fibrillation and suppressed early and late depolarization in an acute I/R injury rat model. These findings shed light on the mechanism by which SWTX alleviates myocardial I/R injury.

Cytoskeletal and Cytoskeleton-Associated Proteins: Key Regulators of Cancer Stem Cell Properties

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of cancer cells possessing stemness characteristics that are closely associated with tumor proliferation, recurrence and resistance to therapy. Recent studies have shown that different cytoskeletal components and remodeling processes have a profound impact on the behavior of CSCs. In this review, we outline the different cytoskeletal components regulating the properties of CSCs and discuss current and ongoing therapeutic strategies targeting the cytoskeleton. Given the many challenges currently faced in targeted cancer therapy, a deeper comprehension of the molecular events involved in the interaction of the cytoskeleton and CSCs will help us identify more effective therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs and ultimately improve patient survival.

Spectrins and human diseases

Spectrin, as one of the major components of a plasma membrane-associated cytoskeleton, is a cytoskeletal protein composed of the modular structure of α and β subunits. The spectrin-based skeleton is essential for preserving the integrity and mechanical characteristics of the cell membrane. Moreover, spectrin regulates a variety of cell processes including cell apoptosis, cell adhesion, cell spreading, and cell cycle. Dysfunction of spectrins is implicated in various human diseases including hemolytic anemia, neurodegenerative diseases, ataxia, heart diseases, and cancers. Here, we briefly discuss spectrins function as well as the clinical manifestations and currently known molecular mechanisms of human diseases related to spectrins, highlighting that strategies for targeting regulation of spectrins function may provide new avenues for therapeutic intervention for these diseases.

Emerging therapeutic targets for cardiac hypertrophy

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac hypertrophy is associated with adverse outcomes across cardiovascular disease states. Despite strides over the last three decades in identifying molecular and cellular mechanisms driving hypertrophy, the link between pathophysiological stress stimuli and specific myocyte/heart growth profiles remains unclear. Moreover, the optimal strategy for preventing pathology in the setting of hypertrophy remains controversial.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac hypertrophy with a focus on factors driving the orientation of myocyte growth and the impact on heart function. We highlight recent work showing a novel role for the spectrin-based cytoskeleton, emphasizing regulation of myocyte dimensions but not hypertrophy per se. Finally, we consider opportunities for directing the orientation of myocyte growth in response to hypertrophic stimuli as an alternative therapeutic approach. Relevant publications on the topic were identified through Pubmed with open-ended search dates.

EXPERT OPINION

To define new therapeutic avenues, more precision is required when describing changes in myocyte and heart structure/function in response to hypertrophic stimuli. Recent developments in computational modeling of hypertrophic networks, in concert with more refined experimental approaches will catalyze translational discovery to advance the field and further our understanding of cardiac hypertrophy and its relationship with heart disease.

Ca2+/calmodulin kinase II-dependent regulation of βIV-spectrin modulates cardiac fibroblast gene expression, proliferation, and contractility

Fibrosis is a pronounced feature of heart disease and the result of dysregulated activation of resident cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). Recent work identified stress-induced degradation of the cytoskeletal protein β_IV-spectrin as an important step in CF activation and cardiac fibrosis. Furthermore, loss of β_IV-spectrin was found to depend on Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). Therefore, we sought to determine the mechanism for CaMKII-dependent regulation of β_IV-spectrin and CF activity. Computational screening and MS revealed a critical serine residue (S2250 in mouse and S2254 in human) in β_IV-spectrin phosphorylated by CaMKII. Disruption of β_IV-spectrin/CaMKII interaction or alanine substitution of β_IV-spectrin Ser2250 (β_IV-S2254A) prevented CaMKII-induced degradation, whereas a phosphomimetic construct (β_IV-spectrin with glutamic acid substitution at serine 2254 [β_IV-S2254E]) showed accelerated degradation in the absence of CaMKII. To assess the physiological significance of this phosphorylation event, we expressed exogenous β_IV-S2254A and β_IV-S2254E constructs in β_IV-spectrin-deficient CFs, which have increased proliferation and fibrotic gene expression compared with WT CFs. β_IV-S2254A but not β_IV-S2254E normalized CF proliferation, gene expression, and contractility. Pathophysiological targeting of β_IV-spectrin phosphorylation and subsequent degradation was identified in CFs activated with the profibrotic ligand angiotensin II, resulting in increased proliferation and signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 nuclear accumulation. While therapeutic delivery of exogenous WT β_IV-spectrin partially reversed these trends, β_IV-S2254A completely negated increased CF proliferation and signal transducer and activation of transcription 3 translocation. Moreover, we observed β_IV-spectrin phosphorylation and associated loss in total protein within human heart tissue following heart failure. Together, these data illustrate a considerable role for the β_IV-spectrin/CaMKII interaction in activating profibrotic signaling.

Regulation of Cardiac Conduction and Arrhythmias by Ankyrin/Spectrin-Based Macromolecular Complexes

The cardiac conduction system is an extended network of excitable tissue tasked with generation and propagation of electrical impulses to signal coordinated contraction of the heart. The fidelity of this system depends on the proper spatio-temporal regulation of ion channels in myocytes throughout the conduction system. Importantly, inherited or acquired defects in a wide class of ion channels has been linked to dysfunction at various stages of the conduction system resulting in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. There is growing appreciation of the role that adapter and cytoskeletal proteins play in organizing ion channel macromolecular complexes critical for proper function of the cardiac conduction system. In particular, members of the ankyrin and spectrin families have emerged as important nodes for normal expression and regulation of ion channels in myocytes throughout the conduction system. Human variants impacting ankyrin/spectrin function give rise to a broad constellation of cardiac arrhythmias. Furthermore, chronic neurohumoral and biomechanical stress promotes ankyrin/spectrin loss of function that likely contributes to conduction disturbances in the setting of acquired cardiac disease. Collectively, this review seeks to bring attention to the significance of these cytoskeletal players and emphasize the potential therapeutic role they represent in a myriad of cardiac disease states.

Severe Form of ßIV-Spectrin Deficiency With Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Cardiomyopathy-A Case Report

ßIV-spectrin is a protein of the spectrin family which is involved in the organization of the cytoskeleton structure and is found in high quantity in the axon initial segment and the nodes of Ranvier. Together with ankyrin G, ßIV-spectrin is responsible for the clustering of KCNQ2/3-potassium channels and NaV-sodium channels. Loss or reduction of ßIV-spectrin causes a destabilization of the cytoskeleton and an impairment in the generation of the action potential, which leads to neuronal degeneration. Furthermore, ßIV-spectrin has been described to play an important role in the maintenance of the neuronal polarity and of the diffusion barrier. ßIV-spectrin is also located in the heart where it takes an important part in the structural organization of ion channels and has also been described to participate in cell signaling pathways through binding of transcription factors. We describe two patients with a severe form of ßIV-spectrin deficiency. Whole-exome sequencing revealed the homozygous stop mutation c.6016C>T (p.R2006^*) in the SPTBN4 gene. The phenotype of these patients is characterized by profound psychomotor developmental arrest, respiratory insufficiency and deafness. Additionally one of the patients presents with cardiomyopathy, optical nerve atrophy, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This is the first report of a severe form of ßIV-spectrin deficiency with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Emerging therapeutic targets for cardiac arrhythmias: role of STAT3 in regulating cardiac fibroblast function

Introduction : Cardiac fibrosis contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and arrhythmia. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are collagen-producing cells that regulate extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. A complex signaling network has been defined linking environmental stress to changes in CF function and fibrosis. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) has emerged as a critical integrator of pro-fibrotic signals in CFs downstream of several established signaling networks. Areas covered : This article provides an overview of STAT3 function in CFs and its involvement in coordinating a vast web of intracellular pro-fibrotic signaling molecules and transcription factors. We highlight recent work elucidating a critical role for the fibroblast cytoskeleton in maintaining spatial and temporal control of STAT3-related signaling . Finally, we discuss potential opportunities and obstacles for therapeutic targeting of STAT3 to modulate cardiac fibrosis and arrhythmias. Relevant publications on the topic were identified through Pubmed. Expert opinion : Therapeutic targeting of STAT3 for CVD and arrhythmias presents unique challenges and opportunities. Thus, it is critical to consider the multimodal and dynamic nature of STAT3 signaling. Going forward, it will be beneficial to consider ways to maintain balanced STAT3 function, rather than large-scale perturbations in STAT3 function.

Cytoskeletal Remodeling in Cancer

Simple Summary

Cell migration is an essential process from embryogenesis to cell death. This is tightly regulated by numerous proteins that help in proper functioning of the cell. In diseases like cancer, this process is deregulated and helps in the dissemination of tumor cells from the primary site to secondary sites initiating the process of metastasis. For metastasis to be efficient, cytoskeletal components like actin, myosin, and intermediate filaments and their associated proteins should co-ordinate in an orderly fashion leading to the formation of many cellular protrusions-like lamellipodia and filopodia and invadopodia. Knowledge of this process is the key to control metastasis of cancer cells that leads to death in 90% of the patients. The focus of this review is giving an overall understanding of these process, concentrating on the changes in protein association and regulation and how the tumor cells use it to their advantage. Since the expression of cytoskeletal proteins can be directly related to the degree of malignancy, knowledge about these proteins will provide powerful tools to improve both cancer prognosis and treatment.

Abstract

Successful metastasis depends on cell invasion, migration, host immune escape, extravasation, and angiogenesis. The process of cell invasion and migration relies on the dynamic changes taking place in the cytoskeletal components; actin, tubulin and intermediate filaments. This is possible due to the plasticity of the cytoskeleton and coordinated action of all the three, is crucial for the process of metastasis from the primary site. Changes in cellular architecture by internal clues will affect the cell functions leading to the formation of different protrusions like lamellipodia, filopodia, and invadopodia that help in cell migration eventually leading to metastasis, which is life threatening than the formation of neoplasms. Understanding the signaling mechanisms involved, will give a better insight of the changes during metastasis, which will eventually help targeting proteins for treatment resulting in reduced mortality and longer survival.

A Fresh Look at the Structure, Regulation, and Functions of Fodrin

Fodrin and its erythroid cell-specific isoform spectrin are actin-associated fibrous proteins that play crucial roles in the maintenance of structural integrity in mammalian cells, which is necessary for proper cell function. Normal cell morphology is altered in diseases such as various cancers and certain neuronal disorders. Fodrin and spectrin are two-chain (αβ) molecules that are encoded by paralogous genes and share many features but also demonstrate certain differences. Fodrin (in humans, typically a heterodimer of the products of the SPTAN1 and SPTBN1 genes) is expressed in nearly all cell types and is especially abundant in neuronal tissues, whereas spectrin (in humans, a heterodimer of the products of the SPTA1 and SPTB1 genes) is expressed almost exclusively in erythrocytes. To fulfill a role in such a variety of different cell types, it was anticipated that fodrin would need to be a more versatile scaffold than spectrin. Indeed, as summarized here, domains unique to fodrin and its regulation by Ca²⁺, calmodulin, and a variety of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) endow fodrin with additional specific functions. However, how fodrin structural variations and misregulated PTMs may contribute to the etiology of various cancers and neurodegenerative diseases needs to be further investigated.

Paternal Resistance Training Induced Modifications in the Left Ventricle Proteome Independent of Offspring Diet

Ancestral obesogenic exposure is able to trigger harmful effects in the offspring left ventricle (LV) which could lead to cardiovascular diseases. However, the impact of the father's lifestyle on the offspring LV is largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of paternal resistance training (RT) on the offspring left ventricle (LV) proteome exposed to control or high-fat (HF) diet. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups: sedentary fathers and trained fathers (8 weeks, 3 times per week with weights secured to the animals' tails). The offspring were obtained by mating with sedentary females. Upon weaning, male offspring were divided into 4 groups (5 animals per group): offspring from sedentary fathers, exposed to control diet (SFO-C); offspring from trained fathers, exposed to control diet (TFO-C); offspring from sedentary fathers, exposed to high-fat diet (SFO-HF); and offspring from trained fathers, exposed to high-fat diet (TFO-HF). The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed 537 regulated proteins among groups. Offspring exposure to HF diet caused reduction in the abundance levels of proteins related to cell component organization, metabolic processes, and transport. Proteins related to antioxidant activity, transport, and transcription regulation were increased in TFO-C and TFO-HF as compared with the SFO-C and SFO-HF groups. Paternal RT demonstrated to be an important intervention capable of inducing significant effects on the LV proteome regardless of offspring diet due to the increase of proteins involved into LV homeostasis maintenance. This study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular aspects involved in transgenerational inheritance.

βIV-Spectrin/STAT3 complex regulates fibroblast phenotype, fibrosis, and cardiac function

Increased fibrosis is a characteristic remodeling response to biomechanical and neurohumoral stress and a determinant of cardiac mechanical and electrical dysfunction in disease. Stress-induced activation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) is a critical step in the fibrotic response, although the precise sequence of events underlying activation of these critical cells in vivo remain unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a βIV-spectrin/STAT3 complex is essential for maintenance of a quiescent phenotype (basal nonactivated state) in CFs. We reported increased fibrosis, decreased cardiac function, and electrical impulse conduction defects in genetic and acquired mouse models of βIV-spectrin deficiency. Loss of βIV-spectrin function promoted STAT3 nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity, and it altered gene expression and CF activation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a quiescent phenotype may be restored in βIV-spectrin-deficient fibroblasts by expressing a βIV-spectrin fragment including the STAT3-binding domain or through pharmacological STAT3 inhibition. We found that in vivo STAT3 inhibition abrogates fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction in the setting of global βIV-spectrin deficiency. Finally, we demonstrate that fibroblast-specific deletion of βIV-spectrin is sufficient to induce fibrosis and decreased cardiac function. We propose that the βIV-spectrin/STAT3 complex is a determinant of fibroblast phenotype and fibrosis, with implications for remodeling response in cardiovascular disease (CVD).