1
|
Le Quilliec E, LeBlanc CA, Neuilly O, Xiao J, Younes R, Altuntas Y, Xiong F, Naud P, Villeneuve L, Sirois MG, Tanguay JF, Tardif JC, Hiram R. Atrial cardiomyocytes contribute to the inflammatory status associated with atrial fibrillation in right heart disease. Europace 2024; 26:euae082. [PMID: 38546222 PMCID: PMC11000822 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Right heart disease (RHD), characterized by right ventricular (RV) and atrial (RA) hypertrophy, and cardiomyocytes' (CM) dysfunctions have been described to be associated with the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF). Right heart disease and AF have in common, an inflammatory status, but the mechanisms relating RHD, inflammation, and AF remain unclear. We hypothesized that right heart disease generates electrophysiological and morphological remodelling affecting the CM, leading to atrial inflammation and increased AF susceptibility. METHODS AND RESULTS Pulmonary artery banding (PAB) was surgically performed (except for sham) on male Wistar rats (225-275 g) to provoke an RHD. Twenty-one days (D21) post-surgery, all rats underwent echocardiography and electrophysiological studies (EPS). Optical mapping was performed in situ, on Langendorff-perfused hearts. The contractility of freshly isolated CM was evaluated and recorded during 1 Hz pacing in vitro. Histological analyses were performed on formalin-fixed RA to assess myocardial fibrosis, connexin-43 levels, and CM morphology. Right atrial levels of selected genes and proteins were obtained by qPCR and Western blot, respectively. Pulmonary artery banding induced severe RHD identified by RV and RA hypertrophy. Pulmonary artery banding rats were significantly more susceptible to AF than sham. Compared to sham RA CM from PAB rats were significantly elongated and hypercontractile. Right atrial CM from PAB animals showed significant augmentation of mRNA and protein levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-6 and IL1β. Sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase-2a (SERCA2a) and junctophilin-2 were decreased in RA CM from PAB compared to sham rats. CONCLUSIONS Right heart disease-induced arrhythmogenicity may occur due to dysfunctional SERCA2a and inflammatory signalling generated from injured RA CM, which leads to an increased risk of AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewen Le Quilliec
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Charles-Alexandre LeBlanc
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Orlane Neuilly
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Jiening Xiao
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Rim Younes
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Yasemin Altuntas
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Feng Xiong
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Patrice Naud
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Louis Villeneuve
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Martin G Sirois
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Jean-François Tanguay
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Tardif
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| | - Roddy Hiram
- Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute, University of Montreal, 5000 Belanger Street, Montreal, QC HIT 1C8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Medvedev RY, Turner DGP, DeGuire FC, Leonov V, Lang D, Gorelik J, Alvarado FJ, Bondarenko VE, Glukhov AV. Caveolae-associated cAMP/Ca 2+-mediated mechano-chemical signal transduction in mouse atrial myocytes. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 184:75-87. [PMID: 37805125 PMCID: PMC10842990 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Caveolae are tiny invaginations in the sarcolemma that buffer extra membrane and contribute to mechanical regulation of cellular function. While the role of caveolae in membrane mechanosensation has been studied predominantly in non-cardiomyocyte cells, caveolae contribution to cardiac mechanotransduction remains elusive. Here, we studied the role of caveolae in the regulation of Ca2+ signaling in atrial cardiomyocytes. In Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts, atrial pressure/volume overload stretched atrial myocytes and decreased caveolae density. In isolated cells, caveolae were disrupted through hypotonic challenge that induced a temporal (<10 min) augmentation of Ca2+ transients and caused a rise in Ca2+ spark activity. Similar changes in Ca2+ signaling were observed after chemical (methyl-β-cyclodextrin) and genetic ablation of caveolae in cardiac-specific conditional caveolin-3 knock-out mice. Acute disruption of caveolae, both mechanical and chemical, led to the elevation of cAMP level in the cell interior, and cAMP-mediated augmentation of protein kinase A (PKA)-phosphorylated ryanodine receptors (at Ser2030 and Ser2808). Caveolae-mediated stimulatory effects on Ca2+ signaling were abolished via inhibition of cAMP production by adenyl cyclase antagonists MDL12330 and SQ22536, or reduction of PKA activity by H-89. A compartmentalized mathematical model of mouse atrial myocytes linked the observed changes to a microdomain-specific decrease in phosphodiesterase activity, which disrupted cAMP signaling and augmented PKA activity. Our findings add a new dimension to cardiac mechanobiology and highlight caveolae-associated cAMP/PKA-mediated phosphorylation of Ca2+ handling proteins as a novel component of mechano-chemical feedback in atrial myocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roman Y Medvedev
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Daniel G P Turner
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Frank C DeGuire
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Vladislav Leonov
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Di Lang
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julia Gorelik
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francisco J Alvarado
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Vladimir E Bondarenko
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexey V Glukhov
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang X, Smith CER, Morotti S, Edwards AG, Sato D, Louch WE, Ni H, Grandi E. Mechanisms of spontaneous Ca 2+ release-mediated arrhythmia in a novel 3D human atrial myocyte model: II. Ca 2+ -handling protein variation. J Physiol 2023; 601:2685-2710. [PMID: 36114707 PMCID: PMC10017376 DOI: 10.1113/jp283602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the transverse-axial tubule system (TATS) in diseases such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation occurs in combination with changes in the expression and distribution of key Ca2+ -handling proteins. Together this ultrastructural and ionic remodelling is associated with aberrant Ca2+ cycling and electrophysiological instabilities that underlie arrhythmic activity. However, due to the concurrent changes in TATs and Ca2+ -handling protein expression and localization that occur in disease it is difficult to distinguish their individual contributions to the arrhythmogenic state. To investigate this, we applied our novel 3D human atrial myocyte model with spatially detailed Ca2+ diffusion and TATS to investigate the isolated and interactive effects of changes in expression and localization of key Ca2+ -handling proteins and variable TATS density on Ca2+ -handling abnormality driven membrane instabilities. We show that modulating the expression and distribution of the sodium-calcium exchanger, ryanodine receptors and the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ buffer calsequestrin have varying pro- and anti-arrhythmic effects depending on the balance of opposing influences on SR Ca2+ leak-load and Ca2+ -voltage relationships. Interestingly, the impact of protein remodelling on Ca2+ -driven proarrhythmic behaviour varied dramatically depending on TATS density, with intermediately tubulated cells being more severely affected compared to detubulated and densely tubulated myocytes. This work provides novel mechanistic insight into the distinct and interactive consequences of TATS and Ca2+ -handling protein remodelling that underlies dysfunctional Ca2+ cycling and electrophysiological instability in disease. KEY POINTS: In our companion paper we developed a 3D human atrial myocyte model, coupling electrophysiology and Ca2+ handling with subcellular spatial details governed by the transverse-axial tubule system (TATS). Here we utilize this model to mechanistically examine the impact of TATS loss and changes in the expression and distribution of key Ca2+ -handling proteins known to be remodelled in disease on Ca2+ homeostasis and electrophysiological stability. We demonstrate that varying the expression and localization of these proteins has variable pro- and anti-arrhythmic effects with outcomes displaying dependence on TATS density. Whereas detubulated myocytes typically appear unaffected and densely tubulated cells seem protected, the arrhythmogenic effects of Ca2+ handling protein remodelling are profound in intermediately tubulated cells. Our work shows the interaction between TATS and Ca2+ -handling protein remodelling that underlies the Ca2+ -driven proarrhythmic behaviour observed in atrial fibrillation and may help to predict the effects of antiarrhythmic strategies at varying stages of ultrastructural remodelling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Stefano Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Daisuke Sato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - William E Louch
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Cardiac Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Haibo Ni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang X, Ni H, Morotti S, Smith C, Sato D, Louch W, Edwards A, Grandi E. Mechanisms of spontaneous Ca 2+ release-mediated arrhythmia in a novel 3D human atrial myocyte model: I. Transverse-axial tubule variation. J Physiol 2023; 601:2655-2683. [PMID: 36094888 PMCID: PMC10008525 DOI: 10.1113/jp283363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular calcium (Ca2+ ) cycling is tightly regulated in the healthy heart ensuring effective contraction. This is achieved by transverse (t)-tubule membrane invaginations that facilitate close coupling of key Ca2+ -handling proteins such as the L-type Ca2+ channel and Na+ -Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) on the cell surface with ryanodine receptors (RyRs) on the intracellular Ca2+ store. Although less abundant and regular than in the ventricle, t-tubules also exist in atrial myocytes as a network of transverse invaginations with axial extensions known as the transverse-axial tubule system (TATS). In heart failure and atrial fibrillation, there is TATS remodelling that is associated with aberrant Ca2+ -handling and Ca2+ -induced arrhythmic activity; however, the mechanism underlying this is not fully understood. To address this, we developed a novel 3D human atrial myocyte model that couples electrophysiology and Ca2+ -handling with variable TATS organization and density. We extensively parameterized and validated our model against experimental data to build a robust tool examining TATS regulation of subcellular Ca2+ release. We found that varying TATS density and thus the localization of key Ca2+ -handling proteins has profound effects on Ca2+ handling. Following TATS loss, there is reduced NCX that results in increased cleft Ca2+ concentration through decreased Ca2+ extrusion. This elevated Ca2+ increases RyR open probability causing spontaneous Ca2+ releases and the promotion of arrhythmogenic waves (especially in the cell interior) leading to voltage instabilities through delayed afterdepolarizations. In summary, the present study demonstrates a mechanistic link between TATS remodelling and Ca2+ -driven proarrhythmic behaviour that probably reflects the arrhythmogenic state observed in disease. KEY POINTS: Transverse-axial tubule systems (TATS) modulate Ca2+ handling and excitation-contraction coupling in atrial myocytes, with TATS remodelling in heart failure and atrial fibrillation being associated with altered Ca2+ cycling and subsequent arrhythmogenesis. To investigate the poorly understood mechanisms linking TATS variation and spontaneous Ca2+ release, we built, parameterized and validated a 3D human atrial myocyte model coupling electrophysiology and spatially-detailed subcellular Ca2+ handling governed by the TATS. Simulated TATS loss causes diastolic Ca2+ and voltage instabilities through reduced Na+ -Ca2+ exchanger-mediated Ca2+ removal, cleft Ca2+ accumulation and increased ryanodine receptor open probability, resulting in spontaneous Ca2+ release and promotion of arrhythmogenic waves and delayed afterdepolarizations. At fast electrical rates typical of atrial tachycardia/fibrillation, spontaneous Ca2+ releases are larger and more frequent in the cell interior than at the periphery. Our work provides mechanistic insight into how atrial TATS remodelling can lead to Ca2+ -driven instabilities that may ultimately contribute to the arrhythmogenic state in disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X. Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - H. Ni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - S. Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - C.E.R. Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - D. Sato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - W.E. Louch
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Cardiac Research, University of Oslo, Oslo Norway
| | - A.G. Edwards
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Simula Research Laboratory, Lysaker, Norway
| | - E. Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Contractile Behavior of Right Atrial Myocardium of Healthy Rats and Rats with the Experimental Model of Pulmonary Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084186. [PMID: 35457003 PMCID: PMC9029478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a lack of data about the contractile behavior of the right atrial myocardium in chronic pulmonary heart disease. We thoroughly characterized the contractility and Ca transient of isolated right atrial strips of healthy rats (CONT) and rats with the experimental model of monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension (MCT) in steady state at different preloads (isometric force-length), during slow force response to stretch (SFR), and during post-rest potentiation after a period of absence of electrical stimulation (PRP). The preload-dependent changes in the isometric twitch and Ca transient did not differ between CONT and MCT rats while the kinetics of the twitch and Ca transient were noticeably slowed down in the MCT rats. The magnitude of SFR was significantly elevated in the MCT right atrial strips and this was accompanied by the significantly higher elevation of the Ca transient relative amplitude at the end of SFR. The slow changes in the contractility and Ca transient in the PRP protocol did not differ between CONT and MCT. In conclusion, the alterations in the contractility and Ca transient of the right atrial myocardium of monocrotaline-treated rats with pulmonary hypertension mostly concern the elevation in SFR. We hypothesize that this positive inotropic effect in the atrial myocardium may (partly) compensate the systolic deficiency of the right ventricular failing myocardium.
Collapse
|
6
|
Colman MA, Alvarez-Lacalle E, Echebarria B, Sato D, Sutanto H, Heijman J. Multi-Scale Computational Modeling of Spatial Calcium Handling From Nanodomain to Whole-Heart: Overview and Perspectives. Front Physiol 2022; 13:836622. [PMID: 35370783 PMCID: PMC8964409 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.836622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of intracellular calcium is a critical component of cardiac electrophysiology and excitation-contraction coupling. The calcium spark, the fundamental element of the intracellular calcium transient, is initiated in specialized nanodomains which co-locate the ryanodine receptors and L-type calcium channels. However, calcium homeostasis is ultimately regulated at the cellular scale, by the interaction of spatially separated but diffusively coupled nanodomains with other sub-cellular and surface-membrane calcium transport channels with strong non-linear interactions; and cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmia mechanisms are ultimately tissue-scale phenomena, regulated by the interaction of a heterogeneous population of coupled myocytes. Recent advances in imaging modalities and image-analysis are enabling the super-resolution reconstruction of the structures responsible for regulating calcium homeostasis, including the internal structure of nanodomains themselves. Extrapolating functional and imaging data from the nanodomain to the whole-heart is non-trivial, yet essential for translational insight into disease mechanisms. Computational modeling has important roles to play in relating structural and functional data at the sub-cellular scale and translating data across the scales. This review covers recent methodological advances that enable image-based modeling of the single nanodomain and whole cardiomyocyte, as well as the development of multi-scale simulation approaches to integrate data from nanometer to whole-heart. Firstly, methods to overcome the computational challenges of simulating spatial calcium dynamics in the nanodomain are discussed, including image-based modeling at this scale. Then, recent whole-cell models, capable of capturing a range of different structures (such as the T-system and mitochondria) and cellular heterogeneity/variability are discussed at two different levels of discretization. Novel methods to integrate the models and data across the scales and simulate stochastic dynamics in tissue-scale models are then discussed, enabling elucidation of the mechanisms by which nanodomain remodeling underlies arrhythmia and contractile dysfunction. Perspectives on model differences and future directions are provided throughout.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Colman
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Michael A. Colman,
| | | | - Blas Echebarria
- Departament de Fisica, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daisuke Sato
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Henry Sutanto
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Douard M, Brette F. Transverse tubules strike back: may the junctophilin-2 be with you. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:7-8. [PMID: 32346727 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Douard
- INSERM, Centre de recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,Université de Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| | - Fabien Brette
- INSERM, Centre de recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,Université de Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, Pessac-Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vagos MR, Arevalo H, Heijman J, Schotten U, Sundnes J. A Computational Study of the Effects of Tachycardia-Induced Remodeling on Calcium Wave Propagation in Rabbit Atrial Myocytes. Front Physiol 2021; 12:651428. [PMID: 33897459 PMCID: PMC8063103 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.651428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In atrial cardiomyocytes without a well-developed T-tubule system, calcium diffuses from the periphery toward the center creating a centripetal wave pattern. During atrial fibrillation, rapid activation of atrial myocytes induces complex remodeling in diffusion properties that result in failure of calcium to propagate in a fully regenerative manner toward the center; a phenomenon termed “calcium silencing.” This has been observed in rabbit atrial myocytes after exposure to prolonged rapid pacing. Although experimental studies have pointed to possible mechanisms underlying calcium silencing, their individual effects and relative importance remain largely unknown. In this study we used computational modeling of the rabbit atrial cardiomyocyte to query the individual and combined effects of the proposed mechanisms leading to calcium silencing and abnormal calcium wave propagation. We employed a population of models obtained from a newly developed model of the rabbit atrial myocyte with spatial representation of intracellular calcium handling. We selected parameters in the model that represent experimentally observed cellular remodeling which have been implicated in calcium silencing, and scaled their values in the population to match experimental observations. In particular, we changed the maximum conductances of ICaL, INCX, and INaK, RyR open probability, RyR density, Serca2a density, and calcium buffering strength. We incorporated remodeling in a population of 16 models by independently varying parameters that reproduce experimentally observed cellular remodeling, and quantified the resulting alterations in calcium dynamics and wave propagation patterns. The results show a strong effect of ICaL in driving calcium silencing, with INCX, INaK, and RyR density also resulting in calcium silencing in some models. Calcium alternans was observed in some models where INCX and Serca2a density had been changed. Simultaneously incorporating changes in all remodeled parameters resulted in calcium silencing in all models, indicating the predominant role of decreasing ICaL in the population phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Márcia R Vagos
- Simula Research Laboratory, Computational Physiology Department, Lysaker, Norway
| | - Hermenegild Arevalo
- Simula Research Laboratory, Computational Physiology Department, Lysaker, Norway
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Joakim Sundnes
- Simula Research Laboratory, Computational Physiology Department, Lysaker, Norway.,Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Greene D, Shiferaw Y. Mechanistic link between CaM-RyR2 interactions and the genesis of cardiac arrhythmia. Biophys J 2021; 120:1469-1482. [PMID: 33617831 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we develop a computational model of the interaction between ryanodine receptor type 2 (RyR2) and calmodulin (CaM) to explore the mechanistic link between CaM-RyR2 interactions and cardiac arrhythmia. Our starting point is a biophysically based computational model of CaM binding to a single RyR2 subunit, which reproduces single-channel RyR2 measurements in lipid bilayers. We then integrate this CaM-RyR2 model into a spatially distributed whole-cell model of Ca cycling, which is used to investigate the relationship between CaM and Ca cycling homeostasis. We show that a reduction in CaM concentration leads to a substantial increase in the rate of spontaneous Ca sparks, and this induces a marked reduction in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca load during steady-state pacing. Also, we show that a reduction in CaM modifies the RyR2 open probability, which makes the cell more prone to Ca wave propagation. These results indicate that aberrant Ca cycling activity during pacing is determined by the interplay between sarcoplasmic reticulum load reduction and the threshold for Ca wave propagation. Based on these results, we show that when CaM is reduced, Ca waves can occur in a cell and induce action potential perturbations that are arrhythmogenic. Thus, this study outlines a novel, to our knowledge, mechanistic link between CaM-RyR2 binding kinetics and the induction of arrhythmias in the heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D'Artagnan Greene
- Department of Physics, California State University Northridge, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yohannes Shiferaw
- Department of Physics, California State University Northridge, Los Angeles, California.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang X, Chen X, Dobrev D, Li N. The crosstalk between cardiomyocyte calcium and inflammasome signaling pathways in atrial fibrillation. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:389-405. [PMID: 33511453 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02515-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequent arrhythmia in adults. The prevalence and incidence of AF is going to increase substantially over the next few decades. Because AF increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, dementia, and others, it severely impacts the quality of life, morbidity, and mortality. Although the pathogenesis of AF is multifaceted and complex, focal ectopic activity and reentry are considered as the fundamental proarrhythmic mechanisms underlying AF development. Over the past 2 decades, large amount of evidence points to the key role of intracellular Ca2+ dysregulation in both initiation and maintenance of AF. More recently, emerging evidence reveal that NLRP3 (NACHT, LRR, PYD domain-containing 3) inflammasome pathway contributes to the substrate of both triggered activity and reentry, ultimately promoting AF. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge on Ca2+ signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome activity in AF. We also discuss the potential crosstalk between these two quintessential contributors to AF promotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Wang
- Department of Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Research), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Department of Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Research), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Na Li
- Department of Medicine (Section of Cardiovascular Research), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. .,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Blatter LA, Kanaporis G, Martinez-Hernandez E, Oropeza-Almazan Y, Banach K. Excitation-contraction coupling and calcium release in atrial muscle. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:317-329. [PMID: 33398498 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-020-02506-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In cardiac muscle, the process of excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) describes the chain of events that links action potential induced myocyte membrane depolarization, surface membrane ion channel activation, triggering of Ca2+ induced Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ store to activation of the contractile machinery that is ultimately responsible for the pump function of the heart. Here we review similarities and differences of structural and functional attributes of ECC between atrial and ventricular tissue. We explore a novel "fire-diffuse-uptake-fire" paradigm of atrial ECC and Ca2+ release that assigns a novel role to the SR SERCA pump and involves a concerted "tandem" activation of the ryanodine receptor Ca2+ release channel by cytosolic and luminal Ca2+. We discuss the contribution of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor Ca2+ release channel as an auxiliary pathway to Ca2+ signaling, and we review IP3 receptor-induced Ca2+ release involvement in beat-to-beat ECC, nuclear Ca2+ signaling, and arrhythmogenesis. Finally, we explore the topic of electromechanical and Ca2+ alternans and its ramifications for atrial arrhythmia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L A Blatter
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, 1750 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - G Kanaporis
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, 1750 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - E Martinez-Hernandez
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, 1750 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Y Oropeza-Almazan
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, 1750 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - K Banach
- Department of Internal Medicine/Cardiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vagos MR, Arevalo H, Heijman J, Schotten U, Sundnes J. A Novel Computational Model of the Rabbit Atrial Cardiomyocyte With Spatial Calcium Dynamics. Front Physiol 2020; 11:556156. [PMID: 33162894 PMCID: PMC7583320 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.556156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Models of cardiac electrophysiology are widely used to supplement experimental results and to provide insight into mechanisms of cardiac function and pathology. The rabbit has been a particularly important animal model for studying mechanisms of atrial pathophysiology and atrial fibrillation, which has motivated the development of models for the rabbit atrial cardiomyocyte electrophysiology. Previously developed models include detailed representations of membrane currents and intracellular ionic concentrations, but these so-called “common-pool” models lack a spatially distributed description of the calcium handling system, which reflects the detailed ultrastructure likely found in cells in vivo. Because of the less well-developed T-tubular system in atrial compared to ventricular cardiomyocytes, spatial gradients in intracellular calcium concentrations may play a more significant role in atrial cardiomyocyte pathophysiology, rendering common-pool models less suitable for investigating underlying electrophysiological mechanisms. In this study, we developed a novel computational model of the rabbit atrial cardiomyocyte incorporating detailed compartmentalization of intracellular calcium dynamics, in addition to a description of membrane currents and intracellular processes. The spatial representation of calcium was based on dividing the intracellular space into eighteen different compartments in the transversal direction, each with separate systems for internal calcium storage and release, and tracking ionic fluxes between compartments in addition to the dynamics driven by membrane currents and calcium release. The model was parameterized employing a population-of-models approach using experimental data from different sources. The parameterization of this novel model resulted in a reduced population of models with inherent variability in calcium dynamics and electrophysiological properties, all of which fall within the range of observed experimental values. As such, the population of models may represent natural variability in cardiomyocyte electrophysiology or inherent uncertainty in the underlying experimental data. The ionic model population was also able to reproduce the U-shaped waveform observed in line-scans of triggered calcium waves in atrial cardiomyocytes, characteristic of the absence of T-tubules, resulting in a centripetal calcium wave due to subcellular calcium diffusion. This novel spatial model of the rabbit atrial cardiomyocyte can be used to integrate experimental findings, offering the potential to enhance our understanding of the pathophysiological role of calcium-handling abnormalities under diseased conditions, such as atrial fibrillation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Márcia R Vagos
- Simula Research Laboratory, Computational Physiology Department, Lysaker, Norway.,Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hermenegild Arevalo
- Simula Research Laboratory, Computational Physiology Department, Lysaker, Norway.,Center for Cardiological Innovation, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jordi Heijman
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Schotten
- Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Joakim Sundnes
- Simula Research Laboratory, Computational Physiology Department, Lysaker, Norway.,Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Center for Cardiological Innovation, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhang H, Zhang S, Wang W, Wang K, Shen W. A Mathematical Model of the Mouse Atrial Myocyte With Inter-Atrial Electrophysiological Heterogeneity. Front Physiol 2020; 11:972. [PMID: 32848887 PMCID: PMC7425199 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biophysically detailed mathematical models of cardiac electrophysiology provide an alternative to experimental approaches for investigating possible ionic mechanisms underlying the genesis of electrical action potentials and their propagation through the heart. The aim of this study was to develop a biophysically detailed mathematical model of the action potentials of mouse atrial myocytes, a popular experimental model for elucidating molecular and cellular mechanisms of arrhythmogenesis. Based on experimental data from isolated mouse atrial cardiomyocytes, a set of mathematical equations for describing the biophysical properties of membrane ion channel currents, intracellular Ca2+ handling, and Ca2+-calmodulin activated protein kinase II and β-adrenergic signaling pathways were developed. Wherever possible, membrane ion channel currents were modeled using Markov chain formalisms, allowing detailed representation of channel kinetics. The model also considered heterogeneous electrophysiological properties between the left and the right atrial cardiomyocytes. The developed model was validated by its ability to reproduce the characteristics of action potentials and Ca2+ transients, matching quantitatively to experimental data. Using the model, the functional roles of four K+ channel currents in atrial action potential were evaluated by channel block simulations, results of which were quantitatively in agreement with existent experimental data. To conclude, this newly developed model of mouse atrial cardiomyocytes provides a powerful tool for investigating possible ion channel mechanisms of atrial electrical activity at the cellular level and can be further used to investigate mechanisms underlying atrial arrhythmogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henggui Zhang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Biological Physics Group, School of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shanzhuo Zhang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Biological Physics Group, School of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Biological Physics Group, School of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Visual Object Detection and Recognition, Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kuanquan Wang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Weijian Shen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Biological Physics Group, School of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kirschner Peretz N, Segal S, Yaniv Y. May the Force Not Be With You During Culture: Eliminating Mechano-Associated Feedback During Culture Preserves Cultured Atrial and Pacemaker Cell Functions. Front Physiol 2020; 11:163. [PMID: 32265724 PMCID: PMC7100534 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cultured cardiomyocytes have been shown to possess significant potential as a model for characterization of mechano-Ca2+, mechano-electric, and mechano-metabolic feedbacks in the heart. However, the majority of cultured cardiomyocytes exhibit impaired electrical, mechanical, biochemical, and metabolic functions. More specifically, the cells do not beat spontaneously (pacemaker cells) or beat at a rate far lower than their physiological counterparts and self-oscillate (atrial and ventricular cells) in culture. Thus, efforts are being invested in ensuring that cultured cardiomyocytes maintain the shape and function of freshly isolated cells. Elimination of contraction during culture has been shown to preserve the mechano-Ca2+, mechano-electric, and mechano-metabolic feedback loops of cultured cells. This review focuses on pacemaker cells, which reside in the sinoatrial node (SAN) and generate regular heartbeat through the initiation of the heart’s electrical, metabolic, and biochemical activities. In parallel, it places emphasis on atrial cells, which are responsible for bridging the electrical conductance from the SAN to the ventricle. The review provides a summary of the main mechanisms responsible for mechano-electrical, Ca2+, and metabolic feedback in pacemaker and atrial cells and of culture methods existing for both cell types. The work concludes with an explanation of how the elimination of mechano-electrical, mechano-Ca2+, and mechano-metabolic feedbacks during culture results in sustained cultured cell function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noa Kirschner Peretz
- Biomedical Engineering Faculty, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sofia Segal
- Biomedical Engineering Faculty, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Yaniv
- Biomedical Engineering Faculty, Technion Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Changes of intracellular Ca2+ concentration regulate many aspects of cardiac myocyte function. About 99% of the cytoplasmic calcium in cardiac myocytes is bound to buffers, and their properties will therefore have a major influence on Ca2+ signaling. This article considers the fundamental properties and identities of the buffers and how to measure them. It reviews the effects of buffering on the systolic Ca2+ transient and how this may change physiologically, and in heart failure and both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, as well. It is concluded that the consequences of this strong buffering may be more significant than currently appreciated, and a fuller understanding is needed for proper understanding of cardiac calcium cycling and contractility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Godfrey L Smith
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary, and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK (G.L.S.)
| | - David A Eisner
- Unit of Cardiac Physiology, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, UK (D.A.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tazmini K, Frisk M, Lewalle A, Laasmaa M, Morotti S, Lipsett DB, Manfra O, Skogestad J, Aronsen JM, Sejersted OM, Sjaastad I, Edwards AG, Grandi E, Niederer SA, Øie E, Louch WE. Hypokalemia Promotes Arrhythmia by Distinct Mechanisms in Atrial and Ventricular Myocytes. Circ Res 2020; 126:889-906. [PMID: 32070187 PMCID: PMC7098435 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.119.315641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Hypokalemia occurs in up to 20% of hospitalized patients and is associated with increased incidence of ventricular and atrial fibrillation. It is unclear whether these differing types of arrhythmia result from direct and perhaps distinct effects of hypokalemia on cardiomyocytes. OBJECTIVE To investigate proarrhythmic mechanisms of hypokalemia in ventricular and atrial myocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS Experiments were performed in isolated rat myocytes exposed to simulated hypokalemia conditions (reduction of extracellular [K+] from 5.0 to 2.7 mmol/L) and supported by mathematical modeling studies. Ventricular cells subjected to hypokalemia exhibited Ca2+ overload and increased generation of both spontaneous Ca2+ waves and delayed afterdepolarizations. However, similar Ca2+-dependent spontaneous activity during hypokalemia was only observed in a minority of atrial cells that were observed to contain t-tubules. This effect was attributed to close functional pairing of the Na+-K+ ATPase and Na+-Ca2+ exchanger proteins within these structures, as reduction in Na+ pump activity locally inhibited Ca2+ extrusion. Ventricular myocytes and tubulated atrial myocytes additionally exhibited early afterdepolarizations during hypokalemia, associated with Ca2+ overload. However, early afterdepolarizations also occurred in untubulated atrial cells, despite Ca2+ quiescence. These phase-3 early afterdepolarizations were rather linked to reactivation of nonequilibrium Na+ current, as they were rapidly blocked by tetrodotoxin. Na+ current-driven early afterdepolarizations in untubulated atrial cells were enabled by membrane hyperpolarization during hypokalemia and short action potential configurations. Brief action potentials were in turn maintained by ultra-rapid K+ current (IKur); a current which was found to be absent in tubulated atrial myocytes and ventricular myocytes. CONCLUSIONS Distinct mechanisms underlie hypokalemia-induced arrhythmia in the ventricle and atrium but also vary between atrial myocytes depending on subcellular structure and electrophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiarash Tazmini
- From the Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital (K.T., M.F., M.L., D.B.L., O.M., J.S., J.M.A., O.M.S., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Internal Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway (K.T., E.Ø.)
| | - Michael Frisk
- From the Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital (K.T., M.F., M.L., D.B.L., O.M., J.S., J.M.A., O.M.S., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research (M.F., M.L., O.M., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexandre Lewalle
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, United Kingdom (A.L., S.A.N.)
| | - Martin Laasmaa
- From the Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital (K.T., M.F., M.L., D.B.L., O.M., J.S., J.M.A., O.M.S., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research (M.F., M.L., O.M., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefano Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis (S.M., A.G.E., E.G.)
| | - David B. Lipsett
- From the Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital (K.T., M.F., M.L., D.B.L., O.M., J.S., J.M.A., O.M.S., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Ornella Manfra
- From the Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital (K.T., M.F., M.L., D.B.L., O.M., J.S., J.M.A., O.M.S., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research (M.F., M.L., O.M., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonas Skogestad
- From the Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital (K.T., M.F., M.L., D.B.L., O.M., J.S., J.M.A., O.M.S., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan M. Aronsen
- From the Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital (K.T., M.F., M.L., D.B.L., O.M., J.S., J.M.A., O.M.S., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
- Bjørknes College, Oslo, Norway (J.M.A.)
| | - Ole M. Sejersted
- From the Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital (K.T., M.F., M.L., D.B.L., O.M., J.S., J.M.A., O.M.S., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Ivar Sjaastad
- From the Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital (K.T., M.F., M.L., D.B.L., O.M., J.S., J.M.A., O.M.S., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research (M.F., M.L., O.M., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Andrew G. Edwards
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis (S.M., A.G.E., E.G.)
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis (S.M., A.G.E., E.G.)
| | - Steven A. Niederer
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King’s College London, United Kingdom (A.L., S.A.N.)
| | - Erik Øie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway (K.T., E.Ø.)
| | - William E. Louch
- From the Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital (K.T., M.F., M.L., D.B.L., O.M., J.S., J.M.A., O.M.S., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Center for Cardiac Research (M.F., M.L., O.M., I.S., W.E.L.), University of Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kanaporis G, Kalik ZM, Blatter LA. Action potential shortening rescues atrial calcium alternans. J Physiol 2018; 597:723-740. [PMID: 30412286 DOI: 10.1113/jp277188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Cardiac alternans refers to a beat-to-beat alternation in contraction, action potential (AP) morphology and Ca2+ transient (CaT) amplitude, and represents a risk factor for cardiac arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation. We developed strategies to pharmacologically manipulate the AP waveform with the goal to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of CaT and contraction alternans in atrial tissue. With combined patch-clamp and intracellular Ca2+ measurements we investigated the effect of specific ion channel inhibitors and activators on alternans. In single rabbit atrial myocytes, suppression of Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels eliminated AP duration alternans, but prolonged the AP and failed to eliminate CaT alternans. In contrast, activation of K+ currents (IKs and IKr ) shortened the AP and eliminated both AP duration and CaT alternans. As demonstrated also at the whole heart level, activation of K+ conductances represents a promising strategy to suppress alternans, and thus reducing a risk factor for atrial fibrillation. ABSTRACT At the cellular level alternans is observed as beat-to-beat alternations in contraction, action potential (AP) morphology and magnitude of the Ca2+ transient (CaT). Alternans is a well-established risk factor for cardiac arrhythmia, including atrial fibrillation. This study investigates whether pharmacological manipulation of AP morphology is a viable strategy to reduce the risk of arrhythmogenic CaT alternans. Pacing-induced AP and CaT alternans were studied in rabbit atrial myocytes using combined Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiological measurements. Increased AP duration (APD) and beat-to-beat alternations in AP morphology lowered the pacing frequency threshold and increased the degree of CaT alternans. Inhibition of Ca2+ -activated Cl- channels reduced beat-to-beat AP alternations, but prolonged APD and failed to suppress CaT alternans. In contrast, AP shortening induced by activators of two K+ channels (ML277 for Kv7.1 and NS1643 for Kv11.1) abolished both APD and CaT alternans in field-stimulated and current-clamped myocytes. K+ channel activators had no effect on the degree of Ca2+ alternans in AP voltage-clamped cells, confirming that suppression of Ca2+ alternans was caused by the changes in AP morphology. Finally, activation of Kv11.1 channel significantly attenuated or even abolished atrial T-wave alternans in isolated Langendorff perfused hearts. In summary, AP shortening suppressed or completely eliminated both CaT and APD alternans in single atrial myocytes and atrial T-wave alternans at the whole heart level. Therefore, we suggest that AP shortening is a potential intervention to avert development of alternans with important ramifications for arrhythmia prevention and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giedrius Kanaporis
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Zane M Kalik
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Lothar A Blatter
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Shiferaw Y, Aistrup GL, Wasserstrom JA. Synchronization of Triggered Waves in Atrial Tissue. Biophys J 2018; 115:1130-1141. [PMID: 30195941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
When an atrial cell is paced rapidly, calcium (Ca) waves can form on the cell boundary and propagate to the cell interior. These waves are referred to as "triggered waves" because they are initiated by Ca influx from the L-type Ca channel and occur during the action potential. However, the consequences of triggered waves in atrial tissue are not known. Here, we develop a phenomenological model of Ca cycling in atrial myocytes that accounts for the formation of triggered waves. Using this model, we show that a fundamental requirement for triggered waves to induce abnormal electrical activity in tissue is that these waves must be synchronized over large populations of cells. This is partly because triggered waves induce a long action potential duration (APD) followed by a short APD. Thus, if these events are not synchronized between cells, then they will on average cancel and have minimal effects on the APD in tissue. Using our computational model, we identify two distinct mechanisms for triggered wave synchronization. The first relies on cycle length (CL) variability, which can prolong the CL at a given beat. In cardiac tissue, we show that CL prolongation leads to a substantial amplification of APD because of the synchronization of triggered waves. A second synchronization mechanism applies in a parameter regime in which the cell exhibits stochastic alternans in which a triggered wave fires, on average, only every other beat. In this scenario, we identify a slow synchronization mechanism that relies on the bidirectional feedback between the APD in tissue and triggered wave initiation. On large cables, this synchronization mechanism leads to spatially discordant APD alternans with spatial variations on a scale of hundreds of cells. We argue that these spatial patterns can potentially serve as an arrhythmogenic substrate for the initiation of atrial fibrillation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Shiferaw
- Department of Physics, California State University, Northridge, California.
| | - Gary L Aistrup
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Masonic Medical Research Laboratory, Utica, New York
| | - John A Wasserstrom
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and The Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Aistrup GL, Arora R, Grubb S, Yoo S, Toren B, Kumar M, Kunamalla A, Marszalec W, Motiwala T, Tai S, Yamakawa S, Yerrabolu S, Alvarado FJ, Valdivia HH, Cordeiro JM, Shiferaw Y, Wasserstrom JA. Triggered intracellular calcium waves in dog and human left atrial myocytes from normal and failing hearts. Cardiovasc Res 2018; 113:1688-1699. [PMID: 29016724 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Abnormal intracellular Ca2+ cycling contributes to triggered activity and arrhythmias in the heart. We investigated the properties and underlying mechanisms for systolic triggered Ca2+ waves in left atria from normal and failing dog hearts. Methods and results Intracellular Ca2+ cycling was studied using confocal microscopy during rapid pacing of atrial myocytes (36 °C) isolated from normal and failing canine hearts (ventricular tachypacing model). In normal atrial myocytes (NAMs), Ca2+ waves developed during rapid pacing at rates ≥ 3.3 Hz and immediately disappeared upon cessation of pacing despite high sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) load. In heart failure atrial myocytes (HFAMs), triggered Ca2+ waves (TCWs) developed at a higher incidence at slower rates. Because of their timing, TCW development relies upon action potential (AP)-evoked Ca2+ entry. The distribution of Ca2+ wave latencies indicated two populations of waves, with early events representing TCWs and late events representing conventional spontaneous Ca2+ waves. Latency analysis also demonstrated that TCWs arise after junctional Ca2+ release has occurred and spread to non-junctional (cell core) SR. TCWs also occurred in intact dog atrium and in myocytes from humans and pigs. β-adrenergic stimulation increased Ca2+ release and abolished TCWs in NAMs but was ineffective in HFAMs making this a potentially effective adaptive mechanism in normals but potentially arrhythmogenic in HF. Block of Ca-calmodulin kinase II also abolished TCWs, suggesting a role in TCW formation. Pharmacological manoeuvres that increased Ca2+ release suppressed TCWs as did interventions that decreased Ca2+ release but these also severely reduced excitation-contraction coupling. Conclusion TCWs develop during the atrial AP and thus could affect AP duration, producing repolarization gradients and creating a substrate for reentry, particularly in HF where they develop at slower rates and a higher incidence. TCWs may represent a mechanism for the initiation of atrial fibrillation particularly in HF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gary L Aistrup
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Rishi Arora
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Søren Grubb
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shin Yoo
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Benjamin Toren
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Manvinder Kumar
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Aaron Kunamalla
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - William Marszalec
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Tej Motiwala
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shannon Tai
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Sean Yamakawa
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Satya Yerrabolu
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Francisco J Alvarado
- The Center for Arrhythmia Research, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hector H Valdivia
- The Center for Arrhythmia Research, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Yohannes Shiferaw
- Department of Physics, California State University Northridge, Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - John Andrew Wasserstrom
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bond AR, Iacobazzi D, Abdul-Ghani S, Ghorbel MT, Heesom KJ, George SJ, Caputo M, Suleiman MS, Tulloh RM. The cardiac proteome in patients with congenital ventricular septal defect: A comparative study between right atria and right ventricles. J Proteomics 2018; 191:107-113. [PMID: 29572163 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Right ventricle (RV) remodelling occurs in neonatal patients born with ventricular septal defect (VSD). The presence of a defect between the two ventricles allows for shunting of blood from the left to right side. The resulting RV hypertrophy leads to molecular remodelling which has thus far been largely investigated using right atrial (RA) tissue. In this study we used proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis in order to determine any difference between the proteomes for RA and RV. Samples were therefore taken from the RA and RV of five infants (0.34 ± 0.05 years, mean ± SEM) with VSD who were undergoing cardiac surgery to repair the defect. Significant differences in protein expression between RV and RA were seen. 150 protein accession numbers were identified which were significantly lower in the atria, whereas none were significantly higher in the atria compared to the ventricle. 19 phosphorylation sites (representing 19 phosphoproteins) were also lower in RA. This work has identified differences in the proteome between RA and RV which reflect differences in contractile activity and metabolism. As such, caution should be used when drawing conclusions based on analysis of the RA and extrapolating to the hypertrophied RV. SIGNIFICANCE: RV hypertrophy occurs in neonatal patients born with VSD. Very little is known about how the atria responds to RV hypertrophy, especially at the protein level. Access to tissue from age-matched groups of patients is very rare, and we are in the unique position of being able to get tissue from both the atria and ventricle during reparative surgery of these infants. Our findings will be beneficial to future research into heart chamber malformations in congenital heart defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A R Bond
- Bristol Heart Institute, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | - D Iacobazzi
- Bristol Heart Institute, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | - S Abdul-Ghani
- Bristol Heart Institute, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | - M T Ghorbel
- Bristol Heart Institute, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | - K J Heesom
- Proteomics Facility, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - S J George
- Bristol Heart Institute, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | - M Caputo
- Bristol Heart Institute, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom; Department of Congenital Heart Disease, King David Building, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8BJ, United Kingdom
| | - M-S Suleiman
- Bristol Heart Institute, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | - R M Tulloh
- Bristol Heart Institute, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, United Kingdom; Department of Congenital Heart Disease, King David Building, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol BS2 8BJ, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Shiferaw Y, Aistrup GL, Wasserstrom JA. Mechanism for Triggered Waves in Atrial Myocytes. Biophys J 2017; 113:656-670. [PMID: 28793220 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Excitation-contraction coupling in atrial cells is mediated by calcium (Ca) signaling between L-type Ca channels and Ryanodine receptors that occurs mainly at the cell boundary. This unique architecture dictates essential aspects of Ca signaling under both normal and diseased conditions. In this study we apply laser scanning confocal microscopy, along with an experimentally based computational model, to understand the Ca cycling dynamics of an atrial cell subjected to rapid pacing. Our main finding is that when an atrial cell is paced under Ca overload conditions, Ca waves can then nucleate on the cell boundary and propagate to the cell interior. These propagating Ca waves are referred to as "triggered waves" because they are initiated by L-type Ca channel openings during the action potential. These excitations are distinct from spontaneous Ca waves originating from random fluctuations of Ryanodine receptor channels, and which occur after much longer waiting times. Furthermore, we argue that the onset of these triggered waves is a highly nonlinear function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca load. This strong nonlinearity leads to aperiodic response of Ca at rapid pacing rates that is caused by the complex interplay between paced Ca release and triggered waves. We argue further that this feature of atrial cells leads to dynamic instabilities that may underlie atrial arrhythmias. These studies will serve as a starting point to explore the nonlinear dynamics of atrial cells and will yield insights into the trigger and maintenance of atrial fibrillation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Shiferaw
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University, Northridge, California.
| | - Gary L Aistrup
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - J Andrew Wasserstrom
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology) and the Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Blatter LA. The intricacies of atrial calcium cycling during excitation-contraction coupling. J Gen Physiol 2017; 149:857-865. [PMID: 28798277 PMCID: PMC5583713 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.201711809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Blatter discusses the initiation and spread of Ca release, Ca store depletion, and release termination in atrial myocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lothar A Blatter
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Maxwell JT, Blatter LA. A novel mechanism of tandem activation of ryanodine receptors by cytosolic and SR luminal Ca 2+ during excitation-contraction coupling in atrial myocytes. J Physiol 2017; 595:3835-3845. [PMID: 28028837 DOI: 10.1113/jp273611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS In atrial myocytes excitation-contraction coupling is strikingly different from ventricle because atrial myocytes lack a transverse tubule membrane system: Ca2+ release starts in the cell periphery and propagates towards the cell centre by Ca2+ -induced Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ store. The cytosolic Ca2+ sensitivity of the ryanodine receptor (RyRs) Ca2+ release channel is low and it is unclear how Ca2+ release can be activated in the interior of atrial cells. Simultaneous confocal imaging of cytosolic and intra-SR calcium revealed a transient elevation of store Ca2+ that we termed 'Ca2+ sensitization signal'. We propose a novel paradigm of atrial ECC that is based on tandem activation of the RyRs by cytosolic and luminal Ca2+ through a 'fire-diffuse-uptake-fire' (or FDUF) mechanism: Ca2+ uptake by SR Ca2+ pumps at the propagation front elevates Ca2+ inside the SR locally, leading to luminal RyR sensitization and lowering of the cytosolic Ca2+ activation threshold. ABSTRACT In atrial myocytes Ca2+ release during excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) is strikingly different from ventricular myocytes. In many species atrial myocytes lack a transverse tubule system, dividing the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ store into the peripheral subsarcolemmnal junctional (j-SR) and the much more abundant central non-junctional (nj-SR) SR. Action potential (AP)-induced Ca2+ entry activates Ca2+ -induced Ca2+ release (CICR) from j-SR ryanodine receptor (RyR) Ca2+ release channels. Peripheral elevation of [Ca2+ ]i initiates CICR from nj-SR and sustains propagation of CICR to the cell centre. Simultaneous confocal measurements of cytosolic ([Ca2+ ]i ; with the fluorescent Ca2+ indicator rhod-2) and intra-SR ([Ca2+ ]SR ; fluo-5N) Ca2+ in rabbit atrial myocytes revealed that Ca2+ release from j-SR resulted in a cytosolic Ca2+ transient of higher amplitude compared to release from nj-SR; however, the degree of depletion of j-SR [Ca2+ ]SR was smaller than nj-SR [Ca2+ ]SR . Similarly, Ca2+ signals from individual release sites of the j-SR showed a larger cytosolic amplitude (Ca2+ sparks) but smaller depletion (Ca2+ blinks) than release from nj-SR. During AP-induced Ca2+ release the rise of [Ca2+ ]i detected at individual release sites of the nj-SR preceded the depletion of [Ca2+ ]SR , and during this latency period a transient elevation of [Ca2+ ]SR occurred. We propose that Ca2+ release from nj-SR is activated by cytosolic and luminal Ca2+ (tandem RyR activation) via a novel 'fire-diffuse-uptake-fire' (FDUF) mechanism. This novel paradigm of atrial ECC predicts that Ca2+ uptake by sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase (SERCA) at the propagation front elevates local [Ca2+ ]SR , leading to luminal RyR sensitization and lowering of the activation threshold for cytosolic CICR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T Maxwell
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Lothar A Blatter
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Centre, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bezzerides VJ, Zhang D, Pu WT. Modeling Inherited Arrhythmia Disorders Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Circ J 2016; 81:12-21. [PMID: 27916777 DOI: 10.1253/circj.cj-16-1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inherited arrhythmia disorders (IADs) are a group of potentially lethal diseases that remain diagnostic and management challenges. Although the genetic basis for many of these disorders is well known, the pathogenicity of individual mutations and the resulting clinical outcomes are difficult to predict. Treatment options remain imperfect, and optimizing therapy for individual patients can be difficult. Recent advances in the derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients and creation of genetically engineered human models using CRISPR/Cas9 has the potential to dramatically advance translational arrhythmia research. In this review, we discuss the current state of modeling IADs using human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. We also discuss current limitations and areas for further study.
Collapse
|
25
|
Unique cardiomyocyte ultrastructure in atria: Role of T tubules in subcellular Ca 2+ signaling and atrial arrhythmogenesis. Heart Rhythm 2016; 14:282-283. [PMID: 27756707 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
|
26
|
Arora R, Aistrup GL, Supple S, Frank C, Singh J, Tai S, Zhao A, Chicos L, Marszalec W, Guo A, Song LS, Wasserstrom JA. Regional distribution of T-tubule density in left and right atria in dogs. Heart Rhythm 2016; 14:273-281. [PMID: 27670628 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2016.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The peculiarities of transverse tubule (T-tubule) morphology and distribution in the atrium-and how they contribute to excitation-contraction coupling-are just beginning to be understood. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to determine T-tubule density in the intact, live right and left atria in a large animal and to determine intraregional differences in T-tubule organization within each atrium. METHODS Using confocal microscopy, T-tubules were imaged in both atria in intact, Langendorf-perfused normal dog hearts loaded with di-4-ANEPPS. T-tubules were imaged in large populations of myocytes from the endocardial surface of each atrium. Computerized data analysis was performed using a new MatLab (Mathworks, Natick, MA) routine, AutoTT. RESULTS There was a large percentage of myocytes that had no T-tubules in both atria with a higher percentage in the right atrium (25.1%) than in the left atrium (12.5%) (P < .02). The density of transverse and longitudinal T-tubule elements was low in cells that did contain T-tubules, but there were no significant differences in density between the left atrial appendage, the pulmonary vein-posterior left atrium, the right atrial appendage, and the right atrial free wall. In contrast, there were significant differences in sarcomere spacing and cell width between different regions of the atria. CONCLUSION There is a sparse T-tubule network in atrial myocytes throughout both dog atria, with significant numbers of myocytes in both atria-the right atrium more so than the left atrium-having no T-tubules at all. These regional differences in T-tubule distribution, along with differences in cell width and sarcomere spacing, may have implications for the emergence of substrate for atrial fibrillation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Arora
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois,.
| | - Gary L Aistrup
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Stephen Supple
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Caleb Frank
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jasleen Singh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Shannon Tai
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anne Zhao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Laura Chicos
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - William Marszalec
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ang Guo
- Division of Cardiology, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Long-Sheng Song
- Division of Cardiology, University of Iowa School of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - J Andrew Wasserstrom
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
TRIBULOVA N, KNEZL V, SZEIFFOVA BACOVA B, EGAN BENOVA T, VICZENCZOVA C, GONÇALVESOVA E, SLEZAK J. Disordered Myocardial Ca2+ Homeostasis Results in Substructural Alterations That May Promote Occurrence of Malignant Arrhythmias. Physiol Res 2016; 65 Suppl 1:S139-48. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to determine the impact of Ca2+-related disorders induced in intact animal hearts on ultrastructure of the cardiomyocytes prior to occurrence of severe arrhythmias. Three types of acute experiments were performed that are known to be accompanied by disturbances in Ca2+ handling. Langedorff-perfused rat or guinea pig hearts subjected to K+-deficient perfusion to induce ventricular fibrillation (VF), burst atrial pacing to induce atrial fibrillation (AF) and open chest pig heart exposed to intramyocardial noradrenaline infusion to induce ventricular tachycardia (VT). Tissue samples for electron microscopic examination were taken during basal condition, prior and during occurrence of malignant arrhythmias. Cardiomyocyte alterations preceding occurrence of arrhythmias consisted of non-uniform sarcomere shortening, disruption of myofilaments and injury of mitochondria that most likely reflected cytosolic Ca2+ disturbances and Ca2+ overload. These disorders were linked with non-uniform pattern of neighboring cardiomyocytes and dissociation of adhesive junctions suggesting defects in cardiac cell-to-cell coupling. Our findings identified heterogeneously distributed high [Ca2+]i-induced subcellular injury of the cardiomyocytes and their junctions as a common feature prior occurrence of VT, VF or AF. In conclusion, there is a link between Ca2+-related disorders in contractility and coupling of the cardiomyocytes pointing out a novel paradigm implicated in development of severe arrhythmias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N. TRIBULOVA
- Institute for Heart Research, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lezoualc'h F, Fazal L, Laudette M, Conte C. Cyclic AMP Sensor EPAC Proteins and Their Role in Cardiovascular Function and Disease. Circ Res 2016; 118:881-97. [PMID: 26941424 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.115.306529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
cAMP is a universal second messenger that plays central roles in cardiovascular regulation influencing gene expression, cell morphology, and function. A crucial step toward a better understanding of cAMP signaling came 18 years ago with the discovery of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC). The 2 EPAC isoforms, EPAC1 and EPAC2, are guanine-nucleotide exchange factors for the Ras-like GTPases, Rap1 and Rap2, which they activate independently of the classical effector of cAMP, protein kinase A. With the development of EPAC pharmacological modulators, many reports in the literature have demonstrated the critical role of EPAC in the regulation of various cAMP-dependent cardiovascular functions, such as calcium handling and vascular tone. EPAC proteins are coupled to a multitude of effectors into distinct subcellular compartments because of their multidomain architecture. These novel cAMP sensors are not only at the crossroads of different physiological processes but also may represent attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment of several cardiovascular disorders, including cardiac arrhythmia and heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Lezoualc'h
- From the Department of Cardiac and Renal Remodeling of the Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMR-1048, Toulouse, France (F.L., L.F., M.L., C.C.); and Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France (F.L., L.F., M.L., C.C.).
| | - Loubina Fazal
- From the Department of Cardiac and Renal Remodeling of the Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMR-1048, Toulouse, France (F.L., L.F., M.L., C.C.); and Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France (F.L., L.F., M.L., C.C.)
| | - Marion Laudette
- From the Department of Cardiac and Renal Remodeling of the Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMR-1048, Toulouse, France (F.L., L.F., M.L., C.C.); and Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France (F.L., L.F., M.L., C.C.)
| | - Caroline Conte
- From the Department of Cardiac and Renal Remodeling of the Institute of Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases (I2MC), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMR-1048, Toulouse, France (F.L., L.F., M.L., C.C.); and Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France (F.L., L.F., M.L., C.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Gadeberg HC, Bond RC, Kong CHT, Chanoit GP, Ascione R, Cannell MB, James AF. Heterogeneity of T-Tubules in Pig Hearts. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156862. [PMID: 27281038 PMCID: PMC4900646 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background T-tubules are invaginations of the sarcolemma that play a key role in excitation-contraction coupling in mammalian cardiac myocytes. Although t-tubules were generally considered to be effectively absent in atrial myocytes, recent studies on atrial cells from larger mammals suggest that t-tubules may be more numerous than previously supposed. However, the degree of heterogeneity between cardiomyocytes in the extent of the t-tubule network remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the t-tubule network of pig atrial myocytes in comparison with ventricular tissue. Methods Cardiac tissue was obtained from young female Landrace White pigs (45–75 kg, 5–6 months old). Cardiomyocytes were isolated by arterial perfusion with a collagenase-containing solution. Ca2+ transients were examined in field-stimulated isolated cells loaded with fluo-4-AM. Membranes of isolated cells were visualized using di-8-ANEPPS. T-tubules were visualized in fixed-frozen tissue sections stained with Alexa-Fluor 488-conjugated WGA. Binary images were obtained by application of a threshold and t-tubule density (TTD) calculated. A distance mapping approach was used to calculate half-distance to nearest t-tubule (HDTT). Results & Conclusion The spatio-temporal properties of the Ca2+ transient appeared to be consistent with the absence of functional t-tubules in isolated atrial myocytes. However, t-tubules could be identified in a sub-population of atrial cells in frozen sections. While all ventricular myocytes had TTD >3% (mean TTD = 6.94±0.395%, n = 24), this was true of just 5/22 atrial cells. Mean atrial TTD (2.35±0.457%, n = 22) was lower than ventricular TTD (P<0.0001). TTD correlated with cell-width (r = 0.7756, n = 46, P<0.0001). HDTT was significantly greater in the atrial cells with TTD ≤3% (2.29±0.16 μm, n = 17) than in either ventricular cells (1.33±0.05 μm, n = 24, P<0.0001) or in atrial cells with TTD >3% (1.65±0.06 μm, n = 5, P<0.05). These data demonstrate considerable heterogeneity between pig cardiomyocytes in the extent of t-tubule network, which correlated with cell size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanne C. Gadeberg
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, Bristol Cardiovascular, School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Richard C. Bond
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, Bristol Cardiovascular, School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Cherrie H. T. Kong
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, Bristol Cardiovascular, School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Guillaume P. Chanoit
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, BS40 5DU, United Kingdom
| | - Raimondo Ascione
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin Street, Bristol, BS2 8HW, United Kingdom
| | - Mark B. Cannell
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, Bristol Cardiovascular, School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AFJ); (MBC)
| | - Andrew F. James
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, Bristol Cardiovascular, School of Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AFJ); (MBC)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Glukhov AV, Balycheva M, Sanchez-Alonso JL, Ilkan Z, Alvarez-Laviada A, Bhogal N, Diakonov I, Schobesberger S, Sikkel MB, Bhargava A, Faggian G, Punjabi PP, Houser SR, Gorelik J. Direct Evidence for Microdomain-Specific Localization and Remodeling of Functional L-Type Calcium Channels in Rat and Human Atrial Myocytes. Circulation 2015; 132:2372-84. [PMID: 26450916 PMCID: PMC4689179 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.115.018131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Distinct subpopulations of L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) with different functional properties exist in cardiomyocytes. Disruption of cellular structure may affect LTCC in a microdomain-specific manner and contribute to the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases, especially in cells lacking organized transverse tubules (T-tubules) such as atrial myocytes (AMs).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexey V Glukhov
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Marina Balycheva
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Jose L Sanchez-Alonso
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Zeki Ilkan
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Anita Alvarez-Laviada
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Navneet Bhogal
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Ivan Diakonov
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Sophie Schobesberger
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Markus B Sikkel
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Anamika Bhargava
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Giuseppe Faggian
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Prakash P Punjabi
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Steven R Houser
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.)
| | - Julia Gorelik
- From Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (A.V.G., M.B., J.L.S.-A., Z.I., A.A.-L., N.B., I.D., S.S., M.B.S., A.B., P.P.P., J.G.); University of Verona, School of Medicine, Verona, Italy (M.B., G.F.); Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (P.P.P.); and Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA (S.R.H.).
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Roe AT, Frisk M, Louch WE. Targeting cardiomyocyte Ca2+ homeostasis in heart failure. Curr Pharm Des 2015; 21:431-48. [PMID: 25483944 PMCID: PMC4475738 DOI: 10.2174/138161282104141204124129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Improved treatments for heart failure patients will require the development of novel therapeutic strategies that target basal disease
mechanisms. Disrupted cardiomyocyte Ca2+ homeostasis is recognized as a major contributor to the heart failure phenotype, as it
plays a key role in systolic and diastolic dysfunction, arrhythmogenesis, and hypertrophy and apoptosis signaling. In this review, we outline
existing knowledge of the involvement of Ca2+ homeostasis in these deficits, and identify four promising targets for therapeutic intervention:
the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase, the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, the ryanodine receptor, and t-tubule structure. We discuss
experimental data indicating the applicability of these targets that has led to recent and ongoing clinical trials, and suggest future therapeutic
approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - William E Louch
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Kirkeveien 166, 4.etg. Bygg 7, Oslo University Hospital Ullevål, 0407 Oslo, Norway.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Balycheva M, Faggian G, Glukhov AV, Gorelik J. Microdomain-specific localization of functional ion channels in cardiomyocytes: an emerging concept of local regulation and remodelling. Biophys Rev 2015; 7:43-62. [PMID: 28509981 PMCID: PMC5425752 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-014-0159-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac excitation involves the generation of action potential by individual cells and the subsequent conduction of the action potential from cell to cell through intercellular gap junctions. Excitation of the cellular membrane results in opening of the voltage-gated L-type calcium ion (Ca2+) channels, thereby allowing a small amount of Ca2+ to enter the cell, which in turn triggers the release of a much greater amount of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, the intracellular Ca2+ store, and gives rise to the systolic Ca2+ transient and contraction. These processes are highly regulated by the autonomic nervous system, which ensures the acute and reliable contractile function of the heart and the short-term modulation of this function upon changes in heart rate or workload. It has recently become evident that discrete clusters of different ion channels and regulatory receptors are present in the sarcolemma, where they form an interacting network and work together as a part of a macro-molecular signalling complex which in turn allows the specificity, reliability and accuracy of the autonomic modulation of the excitation-contraction processes by a variety of neurohormonal pathways. Disruption in subcellular targeting of ion channels and associated signalling proteins may contribute to the pathophysiology of a variety of cardiac diseases, including heart failure and certain arrhythmias. Recent methodological advances have made it possible to routinely image the topography of live cardiomyocytes, allowing the study of clustering functional ion channels and receptors as well as their coupling within a specific microdomain. In this review we highlight the emerging understanding of the functionality of distinct subcellular microdomains in cardiac myocytes (e.g. T-tubules, lipid rafts/caveolae, costameres and intercalated discs) and their functional role in the accumulation and regulation of different subcellular populations of sodium, Ca2+ and potassium ion channels and their contributions to cellular signalling and cardiac pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Balycheva
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, 4th Floor National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Cardiosurgery Department, University of Verona School of Medicine, Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Faggian
- Cardiosurgery Department, University of Verona School of Medicine, Verona, Italy
| | - Alexey V Glukhov
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, 4th Floor National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Julia Gorelik
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, 4th Floor National Heart and Lung Institute, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hohendanner F, Walther S, Maxwell JT, Kettlewell S, Awad S, Smith GL, Lonchyna VA, Blatter LA. Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate induced Ca2+ release and excitation-contraction coupling in atrial myocytes from normal and failing hearts. J Physiol 2014; 593:1459-77. [PMID: 25416623 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.283226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Impaired calcium (Ca(2+)) signalling is the main contributor to depressed ventricular contractile function and occurrence of arrhythmia in heart failure (HF). Here we report that in atrial cells of a rabbit HF model, Ca(2+) signalling is enhanced and we identified the underlying cellular mechanisms. Enhanced Ca(2+) transients (CaTs) are due to upregulation of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor induced Ca(2+) release (IICR) and decreased mitochondrial Ca(2+) sequestration. Enhanced IICR, however, together with an increased activity of the sodium-calcium exchange mechanism, also facilitates spontaneous Ca(2+) release in form of arrhythmogenic Ca(2+) waves and spontaneous action potentials, thus enhancing the arrhythmogenic potential of atrial cells. Our data show that enhanced Ca(2+) signalling in HF provides atrial cells with a mechanism to improve ventricular filling and to maintain cardiac output, but also increases the susceptibility to develop atrial arrhythmias facilitated by spontaneous Ca(2+) release. ABSTRACT We studied excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) and inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3)-dependent Ca(2+) release in normal and heart failure (HF) rabbit atrial cells. Left ventricular HF was induced by combined volume and pressure overload. In HF atrial myocytes diastolic [Ca(2+)]i was increased, action potential (AP)-induced Ca(2+) transients (CaTs) were larger in amplitude, primarily due to enhanced Ca(2+) release from central non-junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and centripetal propagation of activation was accelerated, whereas HF ventricular CaTs were depressed. The larger CaTs were due to enhanced IP3 receptor-induced Ca(2+) release (IICR) and reduced mitochondrial Ca(2+) buffering, consistent with a reduced mitochondrial density and Ca(2+) uptake capacity in HF. Elementary IP3 receptor-mediated Ca(2+) release events (Ca(2+) puffs) were more frequent in HF atrial myoctes and were detected more often in central regions of the non-junctional SR compared to normal cells. HF cells had an overall higher frequency of spontaneous Ca(2+) waves and a larger fraction of waves (termed arrhythmogenic Ca(2+) waves) triggered APs and global CaTs. The higher propensity of arrhythmogenic Ca(2+) waves resulted from the combined action of enhanced IICR and increased activity of sarcolemmal Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchange depolarizing the cell membrane. In conclusion, the data support the hypothesis that in atrial myocytes from hearts with left ventricular failure, enhanced CaTs during ECC exert positive inotropic effects on atrial contractility which facilitates ventricular filling and contributes to maintaining cardiac output. However, HF atrial cells were also more susceptible to developing arrhythmogenic Ca(2+) waves which might form the substrate for atrial rhythm disorders frequently encountered in HF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Hohendanner
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Caldwell JL, Smith CER, Taylor RF, Kitmitto A, Eisner DA, Dibb KM, Trafford AW. Dependence of cardiac transverse tubules on the BAR domain protein amphiphysin II (BIN-1). Circ Res 2014; 115:986-96. [PMID: 25332206 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.116.303448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Transverse tubules (t-tubules) regulate cardiac excitation-contraction coupling and exhibit interchamber and interspecies differences in expression. In cardiac disease, t-tubule loss occurs and affects the systolic calcium transient. However, the mechanisms controlling t-tubule maintenance and whether these factors differ between species, cardiac chambers, and in a disease setting remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine the role of the Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs domain protein amphiphysin II (AmpII) in regulating t-tubule maintenance and the systolic calcium transient. METHODS AND RESULTS T-tubule density was assessed by di-4-ANEPPS, FM4-64 or WGA staining using confocal microscopy. In rat, ferret, and sheep hearts t-tubule density and AmpII protein levels were lower in the atrium than in the ventricle. Heart failure (HF) was induced in sheep using right ventricular tachypacing and ferrets by ascending aortic coarctation. In both HF models, AmpII protein and t-tubule density were decreased in the ventricles. In the sheep, atrial t-tubules were also lost in HF and AmpII levels decreased. Conversely, junctophilin 2 levels did not show interchamber differences in the rat and ferret nor did they change in HF in the sheep or ferret. In addition, in rat atrial and sheep HF atrial cells where t-tubules were absent, junctophilin 2 had sarcomeric intracellular distribution. Small interfering RNA-induced knockdown of AmpII protein reduced t-tubule density, calcium transient amplitude, and the synchrony of the systolic calcium transient. CONCLUSIONS AmpII is intricately involved in t-tubule maintenance. Reducing AmpII protein decreases t-tubule density, reduces the amplitude, and increases the heterogeneity of the systolic calcium transient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Caldwell
- From the Unit of Cardiac Physiology and Cardiac Biophysics Group, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte E R Smith
- From the Unit of Cardiac Physiology and Cardiac Biophysics Group, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca F Taylor
- From the Unit of Cardiac Physiology and Cardiac Biophysics Group, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ashraf Kitmitto
- From the Unit of Cardiac Physiology and Cardiac Biophysics Group, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - David A Eisner
- From the Unit of Cardiac Physiology and Cardiac Biophysics Group, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Katharine M Dibb
- From the Unit of Cardiac Physiology and Cardiac Biophysics Group, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew W Trafford
- From the Unit of Cardiac Physiology and Cardiac Biophysics Group, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wagner E, Brandenburg S, Kohl T, Lehnart SE. Analysis of tubular membrane networks in cardiac myocytes from atria and ventricles. J Vis Exp 2014:e51823. [PMID: 25350293 PMCID: PMC4541455 DOI: 10.3791/51823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In cardiac myocytes a complex network of membrane tubules - the transverse-axial tubule system (TATS) - controls deep intracellular signaling functions. While the outer surface membrane and associated TATS membrane components appear to be continuous, there are substantial differences in lipid and protein content. In ventricular myocytes (VMs), certain TATS components are highly abundant contributing to rectilinear tubule networks and regular branching 3D architectures. It is thought that peripheral TATS components propagate action potentials from the cell surface to thousands of remote intracellular sarcoendoplasmic reticulum (SER) membrane contact domains, thereby activating intracellular Ca2+ release units (CRUs). In contrast to VMs, the organization and functional role of TATS membranes in atrial myocytes (AMs) is significantly different and much less understood. Taken together, quantitative structural characterization of TATS membrane networks in healthy and diseased myocytes is an essential prerequisite towards better understanding of functional plasticity and pathophysiological reorganization. Here, we present a strategic combination of protocols for direct quantitative analysis of TATS membrane networks in living VMs and AMs. For this, we accompany primary cell isolations of mouse VMs and/or AMs with critical quality control steps and direct membrane staining protocols for fluorescence imaging of TATS membranes. Using an optimized workflow for confocal or superresolution TATS image processing, binarized and skeletonized data are generated for quantitative analysis of the TATS network and its components. Unlike previously published indirect regional aggregate image analysis strategies, our protocols enable direct characterization of specific components and derive complex physiological properties of TATS membrane networks in living myocytes with high throughput and open access software tools. In summary, the combined protocol strategy can be readily applied for quantitative TATS network studies during physiological myocyte adaptation or disease changes, comparison of different cardiac or skeletal muscle cell types, phenotyping of transgenic models, and pharmacological or therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva Wagner
- Heart Research Center Goettingen; Clinic of Cardiology & Pulmonology, University Medical Center Goettingen; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Goettingen
| | - Sören Brandenburg
- Heart Research Center Goettingen; Clinic of Cardiology & Pulmonology, University Medical Center Goettingen
| | - Tobias Kohl
- Heart Research Center Goettingen; Clinic of Cardiology & Pulmonology, University Medical Center Goettingen
| | - Stephan E Lehnart
- Heart Research Center Goettingen; Clinic of Cardiology & Pulmonology, University Medical Center Goettingen; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Goettingen; BioMET, Center for Biomedical Engineering & Technology, University of Maryland School of Medicine;
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bond RC, Choisy SCM, Bryant SM, Hancox JC, James AF. Inhibition of a TREK-like K+ channel current by noradrenaline requires both β1- and β2-adrenoceptors in rat atrial myocytes. Cardiovasc Res 2014; 104:206-15. [PMID: 25205295 PMCID: PMC4174890 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvu192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Noradrenaline plays an important role in the modulation of atrial electrophysiology. However, the identity of the modulated channels, their mechanisms of modulation, and their role in the action potential remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the noradrenergic modulation of an atrial steady-state outward current (IKss). METHODS AND RESULTS Rat atrial myocyte whole-cell currents were recorded at 36°C. Noradrenaline potently inhibited IKss (IC50 = 0.90 nM, 42.1 ± 4.3% at 1 µM, n = 7) and potentiated the L-type Ca(2+) current (ICaL, EC50 = 136 nM, 205 ± 40% at 1 µM, n = 6). Noradrenaline-sensitive IKss was weakly voltage-dependent, time-independent, and potentiated by the arachidonic acid analogue, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic acid (EYTA; 10 µM), or by osmotically induced membrane stretch. Noise analysis revealed a unitary conductance of 8.4 ± 0.42 pS (n = 8). The biophysical/pharmacological properties of IKss indicate a TREK-like K(+) channel. The effect of noradrenaline on IKss was abolished by combined β1-/β2-adrenoceptor antagonism (1 µM propranolol or 10 µM β1-selective atenolol and 100 nM β2-selective ICI-118,551 in combination), but not by β1- or β2-antagonist alone. The action of noradrenaline could be mimicked by β2-agonists (zinterol and fenoterol) in the presence of β1-antagonist. The action of noradrenaline on IKss, but not on ICaL, was abolished by pertussis toxin (PTX) treatment. The action of noradrenaline on ICaL was mediated by β1-adrenoceptors via a PTX-insensitive pathway. Noradrenaline prolonged APD30 by 52 ± 19% (n = 5; P < 0.05), and this effect was abolished by combined β1-/β2-antagonism, but not by atenolol alone. CONCLUSION Noradrenaline inhibits a rat atrial TREK-like K(+) channel current via a PTX-sensitive mechanism involving co-operativity of β1-/β2-adrenoceptors that contributes to atrial APD prolongation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Bond
- Bristol Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Stéphanie C M Choisy
- Bristol Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Simon M Bryant
- Bristol Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Jules C Hancox
- Bristol Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Andrew F James
- Bristol Cardiovascular Research Laboratories, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Medical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Frisk M, Koivumäki JT, Norseng PA, Maleckar MM, Sejersted OM, Louch WE. Variable t-tubule organization and Ca2+ homeostasis across the atria. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2014; 307:H609-20. [PMID: 24951751 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00295.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Although t-tubules have traditionally been thought to be absent in atrial cardiomyocytes, recent studies have suggested that t-tubules exist in the atria of large mammals. However, it is unclear whether regional differences in t-tubule organization exist that define cardiomyocyte function across the atria. We sought to investigate regional t-tubule density in pig and rat atria and the consequences for cardiomyocyte Ca(2+) homeostasis. We observed t-tubules in approximately one-third of rat atrial cardiomyocytes, in both tissue cryosections and isolated cardiomyocytes. In a minority (≈10%) of atrial cardiomyocytes, the t-tubular network was well organized, with a transverse structure resembling that of ventricular cardiomyocytes. In both rat and pig atrial tissue, we observed higher t-tubule density in the epicardium than in the endocardium. Consistent with high variability in the distribution of t-tubules and Ca(2+) channels among cells, L-type Ca(2+) current amplitude was also highly variable and steeply dependent on capacitance and t-tubule density. Accordingly, Ca(2+) transients showed great variability in Ca(2+) release synchrony. Simultaneous imaging of the cell membrane and Ca(2+) transients confirmed t-tubule functionality. Results from mathematical modeling indicated that a transmural gradient in t-tubule organization and Ca(2+) release kinetics supports synchronization of contraction across the atrial wall and may underlie transmural differences in the refractory period. In conclusion, our results indicate that t-tubule density is highly variable across the atria. We propose that higher t-tubule density in cells localized in the epicardium may promote synchronization of contraction across the atrial wall.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Frisk
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Cardiac Research Center and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway;
| | - Jussi T Koivumäki
- Center for Biomedical Computing, Simula Research Laboratory, Oslo, Norway; and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per A Norseng
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Cardiac Research Center and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mary M Maleckar
- Center for Biomedical Computing, Simula Research Laboratory, Oslo, Norway; and Center for Cardiological Innovation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole M Sejersted
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Cardiac Research Center and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - William E Louch
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Cardiac Research Center and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Beavers DL, Landstrom AP, Chiang DY, Wehrens XHT. Emerging roles of junctophilin-2 in the heart and implications for cardiac diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2014; 103:198-205. [PMID: 24935431 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvu151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiomyocytes rely on a highly specialized subcellular architecture to maintain normal cardiac function. In a little over a decade, junctophilin-2 (JPH2) has become recognized as a cardiac structural protein critical in forming junctional membrane complexes (JMCs), which are subcellular domains essential for excitation-contraction coupling within the heart. While initial studies described the structure of JPH2 and its role in anchoring junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum and transverse-tubule (T-tubule) membrane invaginations, recent research has an expanded role of JPH2 in JMC structure and function. For example, JPH2 is necessary for the development of postnatal T-tubule in mammals. It is also critical for the maintenance of the complex JMC architecture and stabilization of local ion channels in mature cardiomyocytes. Loss of this function by mutations or down-regulation of protein expression has been linked to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias, and progression of disease in failing hearts. In this review, we summarize current views on the roles of JPH2 within the heart and how JPH2 dysregulation may contribute to a variety of cardiac diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L Beavers
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrew P Landstrom
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Y Chiang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xander H T Wehrens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA Deptartment of Medicine (Cardiology), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Heijman J, Voigt N, Wehrens XHT, Dobrev D. Calcium dysregulation in atrial fibrillation: the role of CaMKII. Front Pharmacol 2014; 5:30. [PMID: 24624086 PMCID: PMC3940963 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2014.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently encountered clinical arrhythmia and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Ectopic activity and reentry are considered major arrhythmogenic mechanisms contributing to the initiation and maintenance of AF. In addition, AF is self-reinforcing through progressive electrical and structural remodeling which stabilize the arrhythmia and make it more difficult to treat. Recent research has suggested an important role for Ca(2+)-dysregulation in AF. Ca(2+)-handling abnormalities may promote ectopic activity, conduction abnormalities facilitating reentry, and AF-related remodeling. In this review article, we summarize the Ca(2+)-handling derangements occurring in AF and discuss their impact on fundamental arrhythmogenic mechanisms. We focus in particular on the role of the multifunctional Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type-II (CaMKII), which acts as a major link between Ca(2+)-dysregulation and arrhythmogenesis. CaMKII expression and activity are increased in AF and promote arrhythmogenesis through phosphorylation of various targets involved in cardiac electrophysiology and excitation-contraction coupling. We discuss the implications for potential novel therapeutic strategies for AF based on CaMKII and Ca(2+)-handling abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Heijman
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen Essen, Germany
| | - Niels Voigt
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen Essen, Germany
| | - Xander H T Wehrens
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, and Medicine-Cardiology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
|