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Li Q, Zhang H, Liu R, Wang L, Guo X, You H, Xue J, Luo D. A modified method for isolating sinoatrial node myocytes from adult mice. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2024:10.1007/s11626-024-00920-4. [PMID: 38898365 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-024-00920-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Sinoatrial node (SAN) is the pacemaker of the heart in charge of initiating spontaneous electronical activity and controlling heart rate. Myocytes from SAN can generate spontaneous rhythmic action potentials, which propagate through the myocardium, thereby triggering cardiac myocyte contraction. Acutely, the method for isolating sinoatrial node myocytes (SAMs) is critical in studying the protein expression and function of myocytes in SAN. Currently, the SAMs were isolated by transferring SAN tissue directly into the digestion solution, but it is difficult to judge the degree of digestion, and the system was unstable. Here, we present a modified protocol for the isolation of SAMs in mice, based on the collagenase II and protease perfusion of the heart using a Langendorff apparatus and subsequent dissociation of SAMs. The appearance and droplet flow rate of the heart could be significantly changed during enzymatic digestion via perfusion, which allowed us to easily judge the degree of digestion and avoid incomplete or excessive digestion. The SAMs with stable yield and viability achieved from our optimized approach would facilitate the follow-up experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanying Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Ronghua Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Luqi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Xintong Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjie You
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyi Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dali Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Hennis K, Piantoni C, Biel M, Fenske S, Wahl-Schott C. Pacemaker Channels and the Chronotropic Response in Health and Disease. Circ Res 2024; 134:1348-1378. [PMID: 38723033 PMCID: PMC11081487 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Loss or dysregulation of the normally precise control of heart rate via the autonomic nervous system plays a critical role during the development and progression of cardiovascular disease-including ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. While the clinical significance of regulating changes in heart rate, known as the chronotropic effect, is undeniable, the mechanisms controlling these changes remain not fully understood. Heart rate acceleration and deceleration are mediated by increasing or decreasing the spontaneous firing rate of pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node. During the transition from rest to activity, sympathetic neurons stimulate these cells by activating β-adrenergic receptors and increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The same signal transduction pathway is targeted by positive chronotropic drugs such as norepinephrine and dobutamine, which are used in the treatment of cardiogenic shock and severe heart failure. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate-sensitive hyperpolarization-activated current (If) in pacemaker cells is passed by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels and is critical for generating the autonomous heartbeat. In addition, this current has been suggested to play a central role in the chronotropic effect. Recent studies demonstrate that cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent regulation of HCN4 (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel isoform 4) acts to stabilize the heart rate, particularly during rapid rate transitions induced by the autonomic nervous system. The mechanism is based on creating a balance between firing and recently discovered nonfiring pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node. In this way, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels may protect the heart from sinoatrial node dysfunction, secondary arrhythmia of the atria, and potentially fatal tachyarrhythmia of the ventricles. Here, we review the latest findings on sinoatrial node automaticity and discuss the physiological and pathophysiological role of HCN pacemaker channels in the chronotropic response and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Hennis
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Biomedical Center Munich, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (K.H., C.P., C.W.-S.), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Chiara Piantoni
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Biomedical Center Munich, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (K.H., C.P., C.W.-S.), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research (M.B., S.F.), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (M.B., S.F.)
| | - Stefanie Fenske
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research (M.B., S.F.), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (M.B., S.F.)
| | - Christian Wahl-Schott
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Biomedical Center Munich, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (K.H., C.P., C.W.-S.), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
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3
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Paradiso B, Pauza DH, Limback C, Ottaviani G, Thiene G. From Psychostasis to the Discovery of Cardiac Nerves: The Origins of the Modern Cardiac Neuromodulation Concept. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:266. [PMID: 38666878 PMCID: PMC11047897 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
This review explores the historical development of cardiology knowledge, from ancient Egyptian psychostasis to the modern comprehension of cardiac neuromodulation. In ancient Egyptian religion, psychostasis was the ceremony in which the deceased was judged before gaining access to the afterlife. This ritual was also known as the "weighing of the heart" or "weighing of the soul". The Egyptians believed that the heart, not the brain, was the seat of human wisdom, emotions, and memory. They were the first to recognize the cardiocentric nature of the body, identifying the heart as the center of the circulatory system. Aristotle (fourth century BC) considered the importance of the heart in human physiology in his philosophical analyses. For Galen (third century AD), the heart muscle was the site of the vital spirit, which regulated body temperature. Cardiology knowledge advanced significantly in the 15th century, coinciding with Leonardo da Vinci and Vesalius's pioneering anatomical and physiological studies. It was William Harvey, in the 17th century, who introduced the concept of cardiac circulation. Servet's research and Marcello Malpighi's discovery of arterioles and capillaries provided a more detailed understanding of circulation. Richard Lower emerged as the foremost pioneer of experimental cardiology in the late 17th century. He demonstrated the heart's neural control by tying off the vagus nerve. In 1753, Albrecht von Haller, a professor at Göttingen, was the first to discover the heart's automaticity and the excitation of muscle fibers. Towards the end of the 18th century, Antonio Scarpa challenged the theories of Albrecht von Haller and Johann Bernhard Jacob Behrends, who maintained that the myocardium possessed its own "irritability", on which the heartbeat depended, and was independent of neuronal sensitivity. Instead, Scarpa argued that the heart required innervation to maintain life, refuting Galenic notions. In contemporary times, the study of cardiac innervation has regained prominence, particularly in understanding the post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) infection (PASC), which frequently involves cardiorespiratory symptoms and dysregulation of the intrinsic cardiac innervation. Recently, it has been recognized that post-acute sequelae of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) due to other pathogens can also be a cause of long-term vegetative and somatic symptoms. Understanding cardiac innervation and modulation can help to recognize and treat long COVID and long non-COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) ARIs. This analysis explores the historical foundations of cardiac neuromodulation and its contemporary relevance. By focusing on this concept, we aim to bridge the gap between historical understanding and modern applications. This will illuminate the complex interplay between cardiac function, neural modulation, cardiovascular health, and disease management in the context of long-term cardiorespiratory symptoms and dysregulation of intrinsic cardiac innervations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Paradiso
- Lino Rossi Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Consultant Cyto/Histopathologist (Anatomic Pathologist) Anatomic Pathology Unit, Dolo Hospital Venice, 30031 Dolo, Italy
| | - Dainius H. Pauza
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Clara Limback
- Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Trust, Oxford OX3 7JH, UK;
| | - Giulia Ottaviani
- Lino Rossi Research Center, Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Gaetano Thiene
- Cardiovascular Pathology, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy;
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Kussauer S, Dilk P, Elleisy M, Michaelis C, Lichtwark S, Rimmbach C, David R, Jung J. Heart rhythm in vitro: measuring stem cell-derived pacemaker cells on microelectrode arrays. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1200786. [PMID: 38450366 PMCID: PMC10915086 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1200786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiac arrhythmias have markedly increased in recent decades, highlighting the urgent need for appropriate test systems to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new pharmaceuticals and the potential side effects of established drugs. Methods The Microelectrode Array (MEA) system may be a suitable option, as it provides both real-time and non-invasive monitoring of cellular networks of spontaneously active cells. However, there is currently no commercially available cell source to apply this technology in the context of the cardiac conduction system (CCS). In response to this problem, our group has previously developed a protocol for the generation of pure functional cardiac pacemaker cells from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In addition, we compared the hanging drop method, which was previously utilized, with spherical plate-derived embryoid bodies (EBs) and the pacemaker cells that are differentiated from these. Results We described the application of these pacemaker cells on the MEA platform, which required a number of crucial optimization steps in terms of coating, dissociation, and cell density. As a result, we were able to generate a monolayer of pure pacemaker cells on an MEA surface that is viable and electromechanically active for weeks. Furthermore, we introduced spherical plates as a convenient and scalable method to be applied for the production of induced sinoatrial bodies. Conclusion We provide a tool to transfer modeling and analysis of cardiac rhythm diseases to the cell culture dish. Our system allows answering CCS-related queries within a cellular network, both under baseline conditions and post-drug exposure in a reliable and affordable manner. Ultimately, our approach may provide valuable guidance not only for cardiac pacemaker cells but also for the generation of an MEA test platform using other sensitive non-proliferating cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Kussauer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Patrick Dilk
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Moustafa Elleisy
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Claudia Michaelis
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Sarina Lichtwark
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christian Rimmbach
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Robert David
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Julia Jung
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Zawieja SD, Pea GA, Broyhill SE, Patro A, Bromert KH, Li M, Norton CE, Castorena-Gonzalez JA, Hancock EJ, Bertram CD, Davis MJ. IP3R1 underlies diastolic ANO1 activation and pressure-dependent chronotropy in lymphatic collecting vessels. J Gen Physiol 2023; 155:e202313358. [PMID: 37851027 PMCID: PMC10585095 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202313358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pressure-dependent chronotropy of murine lymphatic collecting vessels relies on the activation of the Ca2+-activated chloride channel encoded by Anoctamin 1 (Ano1) in lymphatic muscle cells. Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of ANO1 results in a significant reduction in basal contraction frequency and essentially complete loss of pressure-dependent frequency modulation by decreasing the rate of the diastolic depolarization phase of the ionic pacemaker in lymphatic muscle cells (LMCs). Oscillating Ca2+ release from sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ channels has been hypothesized to drive ANO1 activity during diastole, but the source of Ca2+ for ANO1 activation in smooth muscle remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role of the inositol triphosphate receptor 1 (Itpr1; Ip3r1) in this process using pressure myography, Ca2+ imaging, and membrane potential recordings in LMCs of ex vivo pressurized inguinal-axillary lymphatic vessels from control or Myh11CreERT2;Ip3r1fl/fl (Ip3r1ismKO) mice. Ip3r1ismKO vessels had significant reductions in contraction frequency and tone but an increased contraction amplitude. Membrane potential recordings from LMCs of Ip3r1ismKO vessels revealed a depressed diastolic depolarization rate and an elongation of the plateau phase of the action potential (AP). Ca2+ imaging of LMCs using the genetically encoded Ca2+ sensor GCaMP6f demonstrated an elongation of the Ca2+ flash associated with an AP-driven contraction. Critically, diastolic subcellular Ca2+ transients were absent in LMCs of Ip3r1ismKO mice, demonstrating the necessity of IP3R1 activity in controlling ANO1-mediated diastolic depolarization. These findings indicate a critical role for IP3R1 in lymphatic vessel pressure-dependent chronotropy and contractile regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott D. Zawieja
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Grace A. Pea
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Sarah E. Broyhill
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Advaya Patro
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Karen H. Bromert
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Min Li
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Charles E. Norton
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | | | - Edward J. Hancock
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Michael J. Davis
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Zheng M, Erhardt S, Cao Y, Wang J. Emerging Signaling Regulation of Sinoatrial Node Dysfunction. Curr Cardiol Rep 2023; 25:621-630. [PMID: 37227579 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-023-01885-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The sinoatrial node (SAN), the natural pacemaker of the heart, is responsible for generating electrical impulses and initiating each heartbeat. Sinoatrial node dysfunction (SND) causes various arrhythmias such as sinus arrest, SAN block, and tachycardia/bradycardia syndrome. Unraveling the underlying mechanisms of SND is of paramount importance in the pursuit of developing effective therapeutic strategies for patients with SND. This review provides a concise summary of the most recent progress in the signaling regulation of SND. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies indicate that SND can be caused by abnormal intercellular and intracellular signaling, various forms of heart failure (HF), and diabetes. These discoveries provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms SND, advancing our understanding of its pathogenesis. SND can cause severe cardiac arrhythmias associated with syncope and an increased risk of sudden death. In addition to ion channels, the SAN is susceptible to the influence of various signalings including Hippo, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mechanical force, and natriuretic peptide receptors. New cellular and molecular mechanisms related to SND are also deciphered in systemic diseases such as HF and diabetes. Progress in these studies contributes to the development of potential therapeutics for SND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjie Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shannon Erhardt
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yuhan Cao
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Terrar DA. Timing mechanisms to control heart rhythm and initiate arrhythmias: roles for intracellular organelles, signalling pathways and subsarcolemmal Ca 2. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220170. [PMID: 37122228 PMCID: PMC10150226 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhythms of electrical activity in all regions of the heart can be influenced by a variety of intracellular membrane bound organelles. This is true both for normal pacemaker activity and for abnormal rhythms including those caused by early and delayed afterdepolarizations under pathological conditions. The influence of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) on cardiac electrical activity is widely recognized, but other intracellular organelles including lysosomes and mitochondria also contribute. Intracellular organelles can provide a timing mechanism (such as an SR clock driven by cyclic uptake and release of Ca2+, with an important influence of intraluminal Ca2+), and/or can act as a Ca2+ store involved in signalling mechanisms. Ca2+ plays many diverse roles including carrying electric current, driving electrogenic sodium-calcium exchange (NCX) particularly when Ca2+ is extruded across the surface membrane causing depolarization, and activation of enzymes which target organelles and surface membrane proteins. Heart function is also influenced by Ca2+ mobilizing agents (cADP-ribose, nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate and inositol trisphosphate) acting on intracellular organelles. Lysosomal Ca2+ release exerts its effects via calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II to promote SR Ca2+ uptake, and contributes to arrhythmias resulting from excessive beta-adrenoceptor stimulation. A separate arrhythmogenic mechanism involves lysosomes, mitochondria and SR. Interacting intracellular organelles, therefore, have profound effects on heart rhythms and NCX plays a central role. This article is part of the theme issue 'The heartbeat: its molecular basis and physiological mechanisms'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek A Terrar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
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Henley T, Goudy J, Easterling M, Donley C, Wirka R, Bressan M. Local tissue mechanics control cardiac pacemaker cell embryonic patterning. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201799. [PMID: 36973005 PMCID: PMC10043993 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac pacemaker cells (CPCs) initiate the electric impulses that drive the rhythmic beating of the heart. CPCs reside in a heterogeneous, ECM-rich microenvironment termed the sinoatrial node (SAN). Surprisingly, little is known regarding the biochemical composition or mechanical properties of the SAN, and how the unique structural characteristics present in this region of the heart influence CPC function remains poorly understood. Here, we have identified that SAN development involves the construction of a "soft" macromolecular ECM that specifically encapsulates CPCs. In addition, we demonstrate that subjecting embryonic CPCs to substrate stiffnesses higher than those measured in vivo results in loss of coherent electrical oscillation and dysregulation of the HCN4 and NCX1 ion channels required for CPC automaticity. Collectively, these data indicate that local mechanics play a critical role in maintaining the embryonic CPC function while also quantitatively defining the range of material properties that are optimal for embryonic CPC maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Henley
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julie Goudy
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marietta Easterling
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carrie Donley
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Robert Wirka
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Bressan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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9
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Hu XH, Chen L, Wu H, Tang YB, Zheng QM, Wei XY, Wei Q, Huang Q, Chen J, Xu X. Cell therapy in end-stage liver disease: replace and remodel. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:141. [PMID: 37231461 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03370-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver disease is prevalent worldwide. When it reaches the end stage, mortality rises to 50% or more. Although liver transplantation has emerged as the most efficient treatment for end-stage liver disease, its application has been limited by the scarcity of donor livers. The lack of acceptable donor organs implies that patients are at high risk while waiting for suitable livers. In this scenario, cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment approach. Most of the time, transplanted cells can replace host hepatocytes and remodel the hepatic microenvironment. For instance, hepatocytes derived from donor livers or stem cells colonize and proliferate in the liver, can replace host hepatocytes, and restore liver function. Other cellular therapy candidates, such as macrophages and mesenchymal stem cells, can remodel the hepatic microenvironment, thereby repairing the damaged liver. In recent years, cell therapy has transitioned from animal research to early human studies. In this review, we will discuss cell therapy in end-stage liver disease treatment, especially focusing on various cell types utilized for cell transplantation, and elucidate the processes involved. Furthermore, we will also summarize the practical obstacles of cell therapy and offer potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Hao Hu
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Lan Chen
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Hao Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yang-Bo Tang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qiu-Min Zheng
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xu-Yong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Xiao Xu
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
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10
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Chen M, Wu Q. Roles and mechanisms of natural drugs on sinus node dysfunction. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 164:114777. [PMID: 37229801 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Sinus node dysfunction is a common arrhythmia disorder with a high incidence and significant social and economic burden. Currently, there are no effective drugs for treating chronic sinus node dysfunction. The disease is associated with ion channel disturbances caused by aging, fibrosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and autonomic dysfunction. Natural active substances and Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used and extensively studied in the medical community for the treatment of arrhythmias. Multiple studies have demonstrated that various active ingredients and Chinese herbal medicines, such as astragaloside IV, quercetin, and ginsenosides, exhibit antioxidant effects, reduce fibrosis, and maintain ion channel stability, providing promising drugs for treating sinus node dysfunction. This article summarizes the research progress on natural active ingredients and Chinese herbal formulas that regulate sick sinoatrial node function, providing valuable references for the treatment of sinus node dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meilian Chen
- Quanzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian 362000, China
| | - Qiaomin Wu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China.
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11
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Verkerk AO, Wilders R. Human Sinoatrial Node Pacemaker Activity: Role of the Slow Component of the Delayed Rectifier K + Current, I Ks. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7264. [PMID: 37108427 PMCID: PMC10138838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The pacemaker activity of the sinoatrial node (SAN) has been studied extensively in animal species but is virtually unexplored in humans. Here we assess the role of the slowly activating component of the delayed rectifier K+ current (IKs) in human SAN pacemaker activity and its dependence on heart rate and β-adrenergic stimulation. HEK-293 cells were transiently transfected with wild-type KCNQ1 and KCNE1 cDNA, encoding the α- and β-subunits of the IKs channel, respectively. KCNQ1/KCNE1 currents were recorded both during a traditional voltage clamp and during an action potential (AP) clamp with human SAN-like APs. Forskolin (10 µmol/L) was used to increase the intracellular cAMP level, thus mimicking β-adrenergic stimulation. The experimentally observed effects were evaluated in the Fabbri-Severi computer model of an isolated human SAN cell. Transfected HEK-293 cells displayed large IKs-like outward currents in response to depolarizing voltage clamp steps. Forskolin significantly increased the current density and significantly shifted the half-maximal activation voltage towards more negative potentials. Furthermore, forskolin significantly accelerated activation without affecting the rate of deactivation. During an AP clamp, the KCNQ1/KCNE1 current was substantial during the AP phase, but relatively small during diastolic depolarization. In the presence of forskolin, the KCNQ1/KCNE1 current during both the AP phase and diastolic depolarization increased, resulting in a clearly active KCNQ1/KCNE1 current during diastolic depolarization, particularly at shorter cycle lengths. Computer simulations demonstrated that IKs reduces the intrinsic beating rate through its slowing effect on diastolic depolarization at all levels of autonomic tone and that gain-of-function mutations in KCNQ1 may exert a marked bradycardic effect during vagal tone. In conclusion, IKs is active during human SAN pacemaker activity and has a strong dependence on heart rate and cAMP level, with a prominent role at all levels of autonomic tone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arie O. Verkerk
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Wilders
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
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12
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Congreve SD, Main A, Butler AS, Gao X, Brown E, Du C, Choisy SC, Cheng H, Hancox JC, Fuller W. Palmitoylation regulates the magnitude of HCN4-mediated currents in mammalian cells. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1163339. [PMID: 37123274 PMCID: PMC10133559 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1163339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) and subsidiary pacemakers in the cardiac conduction system generate spontaneous electrical activity which is indispensable for electrical and therefore contractile function of the heart. The hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel HCN4 is responsible for genesis of the pacemaker "funny" current during diastolic depolarisation. S-palmitoylation, the reversible conjugation of the fatty acid palmitate to protein cysteine sulfhydryls, regulates the activity of key cardiac Na+ and Ca2+ handling proteins, influencing their membrane microdomain localisation and function. We investigated HCN4 palmitoylation and its functional consequences in engineered human embryonic kidney 293T cells as well as endogenous HCN4 in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. HCN4 was palmitoylated in all experimental systems investigated. We mapped the HCN4 palmitoylation sites to a pair of cysteines in the HCN4 intracellular amino terminus. A double cysteine-to-alanine mutation CC93A/179AA of full length HCN4 caused a ∼67% reduction in palmitoylation in comparison to wild type HCN4. We used whole-cell patch clamp to evaluate HCN4 current (IHCN4) in stably transfected 293T cells. Removal of the two N-terminal palmitoylation sites did not significantly alter half maximal activation voltage of IHCN4 or the activation slope factor. IHCN4 was significantly larger in cells expressing wild type compared to non-palmitoylated HCN4 across a range of voltages. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that although cysteine 93 is widely conserved across all classes of HCN4 vertebrate orthologs, conservation of cysteine 179 is restricted to placental mammals. Collectively, we provide evidence for functional regulation of HCN4 via palmitoylation of its amino terminus in vertebrates. We suggest that by recruiting the amino terminus to the bilayer, palmitoylation enhances the magnitude of HCN4-mediated currents, but does not significantly affect the kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samitha Dilini Congreve
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Main
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew S. Butler
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Xing Gao
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Brown
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Chunyun Du
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanié C. Choisy
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Hongwei Cheng
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jules C. Hancox
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - William Fuller
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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13
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Marchiano S, Nakamura K, Reinecke H, Neidig L, Lai M, Kadota S, Perbellini F, Yang X, Klaiman JM, Blakely LP, Karbassi E, Fields PA, Fenix AM, Beussman KM, Jayabalu A, Kalucki FA, Potter JC, Futakuchi-Tsuchida A, Weber GJ, Dupras S, Tsuchida H, Pabon L, Wang L, Knollmann BC, Kattman S, Thies RS, Sniadecki N, MacLellan WR, Bertero A, Murry CE. Gene editing to prevent ventricular arrhythmias associated with cardiomyocyte cell therapy. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:396-414.e9. [PMID: 37028405 PMCID: PMC10283080 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) offer a promising cell-based therapy for myocardial infarction. However, the presence of transitory ventricular arrhythmias, termed engraftment arrhythmias (EAs), hampers clinical applications. We hypothesized that EA results from pacemaker-like activity of hPSC-CMs associated with their developmental immaturity. We characterized ion channel expression patterns during maturation of transplanted hPSC-CMs and used pharmacology and genome editing to identify those responsible for automaticity in vitro. Multiple engineered cell lines were then transplanted in vivo into uninjured porcine hearts. Abolishing depolarization-associated genes HCN4, CACNA1H, and SLC8A1, along with overexpressing hyperpolarization-associated KCNJ2, creates hPSC-CMs that lack automaticity but contract when externally stimulated. When transplanted in vivo, these cells engrafted and coupled electromechanically with host cardiomyocytes without causing sustained EAs. This study supports the hypothesis that the immature electrophysiological prolife of hPSC-CMs mechanistically underlies EA. Thus, targeting automaticity should improve the safety profile of hPSC-CMs for cardiac remuscularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Marchiano
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kenta Nakamura
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Hans Reinecke
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Lauren Neidig
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Shin Kadota
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Regenerative Science and Medicine, Shinshu University, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | | | - Xiulan Yang
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jordan M Klaiman
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Leslie P Blakely
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Elaheh Karbassi
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Paul A Fields
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Adaptive Biotechnologies, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Aidan M Fenix
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kevin M Beussman
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, 3720 15(th) Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Anu Jayabalu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Faith A Kalucki
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Jennifer C Potter
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Akiko Futakuchi-Tsuchida
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Gerhard J Weber
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sarah Dupras
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Hiroshi Tsuchida
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Lil Pabon
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Lili Wang
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Björn C Knollmann
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Steven Kattman
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - R Scott Thies
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Seattle, WA 98102, USA
| | - Nathan Sniadecki
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington, 3720 15(th) Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - W Robb MacLellan
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alessandro Bertero
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Charles E Murry
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican Street, Brotman Building Room 453, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Center for Cardiovascular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Seattle, WA 98102, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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14
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Characterization of sinoatrial automaticity in Microcebus murinus to study the effect of aging on cardiac activity and the correlation with longevity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3054. [PMID: 36810863 PMCID: PMC9944915 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29723-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microcebus murinus, or gray mouse lemur (GML), is one of the smallest primates known, with a size in between mice and rats. The small size, genetic proximity to humans and prolonged senescence, make this lemur an emerging model for neurodegenerative diseases. For the same reasons, it could help understand how aging affects cardiac activity. Here, we provide the first characterization of sinoatrial (SAN) pacemaker activity and of the effect of aging on GML heart rate (HR). According to GML size, its heartbeat and intrinsic pacemaker frequencies lie in between those of mice and rats. To sustain this fast automaticity the GML SAN expresses funny and Ca2+ currents (If, ICa,L and ICa,T) at densities similar to that of small rodents. SAN automaticity was also responsive to β-adrenergic and cholinergic pharmacological stimulation, showing a consequent shift in the localization of the origin of pacemaker activity. We found that aging causes decrease of basal HR and atrial remodeling in GML. We also estimated that, over 12 years of a lifetime, GML generates about 3 billion heartbeats, thus, as many as humans and three times more than rodents of equivalent size. In addition, we estimated that the high number of heartbeats per lifetime is a characteristic that distinguishes primates from rodents or other eutherian mammals, independently from body size. Thus, cardiac endurance could contribute to the exceptional longevity of GML and other primates, suggesting that GML's heart sustains a workload comparable to that of humans in a lifetime. In conclusion, despite the fast HR, GML replicates some of the cardiac deficiencies reported in old people, providing a suitable model to study heart rhythm impairment in aging. Moreover, we estimated that, along with humans and other primates, GML presents a remarkable cardiac longevity, enabling longer life span than other mammals of equivalent size.
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15
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Del Rivero Morfin PJ, Marx SO, Ben-Johny M. Sympathetic Nervous System Regulation of Cardiac Calcium Channels. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 36592229 DOI: 10.1007/164_2022_632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Calcium influx through voltage-gated calcium channels, Cav1.2, in cardiomyocytes initiates excitation-contraction coupling in the heart. The force and rate of cardiac contraction are modulated by the sympathetic nervous system, mediated substantially by changes in intracellular calcium. Norepinephrine released from sympathetic neurons innervating the heart and epinephrine secreted by the adrenal chromaffin cells bind to β-adrenergic receptors on the sarcolemma of cardiomyocytes initiating a signaling cascade that generates cAMP and activates protein kinase A, the targets of which control calcium influx. For decades, the mechanisms by which PKA regulated calcium channels in the heart were not known. Recently, these mechanisms have been elucidated. In this chapter, we will review the history of the field and the studies that led to the identification of the evolutionarily conserved process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro J Del Rivero Morfin
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven O Marx
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Signaling, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Manu Ben-Johny
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA.
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16
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Tóth N, Loewe A, Szlovák J, Kohajda Z, Bitay G, Levijoki J, Papp JG, Varró A, Nagy N. The reverse mode of the Na +/Ca 2+ exchanger contributes to the pacemaker mechanism in rabbit sinus node cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21830. [PMID: 36528651 PMCID: PMC9759562 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25574-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sinus node (SN) pacemaking is based on a coupling between surface membrane ion-channels and intracellular Ca2+-handling. The fundamental role of the inward Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) is firmly established. However, little is known about the reverse mode exchange. A simulation study attributed important role to reverse NCX activity, however experimental evidence is still missing. Whole-cell and perforated patch-clamp experiments were performed on rabbit SN cells supplemented with fluorescent Ca2+-tracking. We established 2 and 8 mM pipette NaCl groups to suppress and enable reverse NCX. NCX was assessed by specific block with 1 μM ORM-10962. Mechanistic simulations were performed by Maltsev-Lakatta minimal computational SN model. Active reverse NCX resulted in larger Ca2+-transient amplitude with larger SR Ca2+-content. Spontaneous action potential (AP) frequency increased with 8 mM NaCl. When reverse NCX was facilitated by 1 μM strophantin the Ca2+i and spontaneous rate increased. ORM-10962 applied prior to strophantin prevented Ca2+i and AP cycle change. Computational simulations indicated gradually increasing reverse NCX current, Ca2+i and heart rate with increasing Na+i. Our results provide further evidence for the role of reverse NCX in SN pacemaking. The reverse NCX activity may provide additional Ca2+-influx that could increase SR Ca2+-content, which consequently leads to enhanced pacemaking activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Tóth
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 12, P.O. Box 427, Szeged, 6720 Hungary
| | - Axel Loewe
- grid.7892.40000 0001 0075 5874Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jozefina Szlovák
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 12, P.O. Box 427, Szeged, 6720 Hungary
| | - Zsófia Kohajda
- ELKH-SZTE Research Group of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gergő Bitay
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 12, P.O. Box 427, Szeged, 6720 Hungary
| | - Jouko Levijoki
- grid.419951.10000 0004 0400 1289Orion Pharma, Espoo, Finland
| | - Julius Gy. Papp
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 12, P.O. Box 427, Szeged, 6720 Hungary ,ELKH-SZTE Research Group of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Varró
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 12, P.O. Box 427, Szeged, 6720 Hungary ,ELKH-SZTE Research Group of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Norbert Nagy
- grid.9008.10000 0001 1016 9625Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 12, P.O. Box 427, Szeged, 6720 Hungary ,ELKH-SZTE Research Group of Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Szeged, Hungary
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17
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The Aging Heart: A Molecular and Clinical Challenge. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416033. [PMID: 36555671 PMCID: PMC9783309 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with an increasing burden of morbidity, especially for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). General cardiovascular risk factors, ischemic heart diseases, heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathies present a significant prevalence in older people, and are characterized by peculiar clinical manifestations that have distinct features compared with the same conditions in a younger population. Remarkably, the aging heart phenotype in both healthy individuals and patients with CVD reflects modifications at the cellular level. An improvement in the knowledge of the physiological and pathological molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac aging could improve clinical management of older patients and offer new therapeutic targets.
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18
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Maltsev VA, Stern MD. The paradigm shift: Heartbeat initiation without "the pacemaker cell". Front Physiol 2022; 13:1090162. [PMID: 36569749 PMCID: PMC9780451 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1090162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The current dogma about the heartbeat origin is based on "the pacemaker cell," a specialized cell residing in the sinoatrial node (SAN) that exhibits spontaneous diastolic depolarization triggering rhythmic action potentials (APs). Recent high-resolution imaging, however, demonstrated that Ca signals and APs in the SAN are heterogeneous, with many cells generating APs of different rates and rhythms or even remaining non-firing (dormant cells), i.e., generating only subthreshold signals. Here we numerically tested a hypothesis that a community of dormant cells can generate normal automaticity, i.e., "the pacemaker cell" is not required to initiate rhythmic cardiac impulses. Our model includes 1) non-excitable cells generating oscillatory local Ca releases and 2) an excitable cell lacking automaticity. While each cell in isolation was not "the pacemaker cell", the cell system generated rhythmic APs: The subthreshold signals of non-excitable cells were transformed into respective membrane potential oscillations via electrogenic Na/Ca exchange and further transferred and integrated (computed) by the excitable cells to reach its AP threshold, generating rhythmic pacemaking. Cardiac impulse is an emergent property of the SAN cellular network and can be initiated by cells lacking intrinsic automaticity. Cell heterogeneity, weak coupling, subthreshold signals, and their summation are critical properties of the new pacemaker mechanism, i.e., cardiac pacemaker can operate via a signaling process basically similar to that of "temporal summation" happening in a neuron with input from multiple presynaptic cells. The new mechanism, however, does not refute the classical pacemaker cell-based mechanism: both mechanisms can co-exist and interact within SAN tissue.
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19
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Ren L, Thai PN, Gopireddy RR, Timofeyev V, Ledford HA, Woltz RL, Park S, Puglisi JL, Moreno CM, Santana LF, Conti AC, Kotlikoff MI, Xiang YK, Yarov-Yarovoy V, Zaccolo M, Zhang XD, Yamoah EN, Navedo MF, Chiamvimonvat N. Adenylyl cyclase isoform 1 contributes to sinoatrial node automaticity via functional microdomains. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e162602. [PMID: 36509290 PMCID: PMC9746826 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.162602] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sinoatrial node (SAN) cells are the heart's primary pacemaker. Their activity is tightly regulated by β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) signaling. Adenylyl cyclase (AC) is a key enzyme in the β-AR pathway that catalyzes the production of cAMP. There are current gaps in our knowledge regarding the dominant AC isoforms and the specific roles of Ca2+-activated ACs in the SAN. The current study tests the hypothesis that distinct AC isoforms are preferentially expressed in the SAN and compartmentalize within microdomains to orchestrate heart rate regulation during β-AR signaling. In contrast to atrial and ventricular myocytes, SAN cells express a diverse repertoire of ACs, with ACI as the predominant Ca2+-activated isoform. Although ACI-KO (ACI-/-) mice exhibit normal cardiac systolic or diastolic function, they experience SAN dysfunction. Similarly, SAN-specific CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene silencing of ACI results in sinus node dysfunction. Mechanistically, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated 4 (HCN4) channels form functional microdomains almost exclusively with ACI, while ryanodine receptor and L-type Ca2+ channels likely compartmentalize with ACI and other AC isoforms. In contrast, there were no significant differences in T-type Ca2+ and Na+ currents at baseline or after β-AR stimulation between WT and ACI-/- SAN cells. Due to its central characteristic feature as a Ca2+-activated isoform, ACI plays a unique role in sustaining the rise of local cAMP and heart rates during β-AR stimulation. The findings provide insights into the critical roles of the Ca2+-activated isoform of AC in sustaining SAN automaticity that is distinct from contractile cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ren
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, UCD, Davis, California, USA
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Phung N. Thai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, UCD, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Northern California Health Care System, Sacramento, California, USA
| | | | - Valeriy Timofeyev
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, UCD, Davis, California, USA
| | - Hannah A. Ledford
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, UCD, Davis, California, USA
| | - Ryan L. Woltz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, UCD, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Northern California Health Care System, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Seojin Park
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
- Prestige Biopharma Korea, Myongjigukje 7-ro, Gangseo-gu, Busan, South Korea
| | - Jose L. Puglisi
- College of Medicine. California North State University, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Claudia M. Moreno
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, UCD, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Alana C. Conti
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, and
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Yang Kevin Xiang
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Northern California Health Care System, Sacramento, California, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, UCD, Davis, California, USA
| | | | - Manuela Zaccolo
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, UCD, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Northern California Health Care System, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Ebenezer N. Yamoah
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | | | - Nipavan Chiamvimonvat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, UCD, Davis, California, USA
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Northern California Health Care System, Sacramento, California, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, UCD, Davis, California, USA
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20
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Demydenko K, Ekhteraei-Tousi S, Roderick HL. Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors in cardiomyocyte physiology and disease. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210319. [PMID: 36189803 PMCID: PMC9527928 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The contraction of cardiac muscle underlying the pumping action of the heart is mediated by the process of excitation-contraction coupling (ECC). While triggered by Ca2+ entry across the sarcolemma during the action potential, it is the release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) intracellular Ca2+ store via ryanodine receptors (RyRs) that plays the major role in induction of contraction. Ca2+ also acts as a key intracellular messenger regulating transcription underlying hypertrophic growth. Although Ca2+ release via RyRs is by far the greatest contributor to the generation of Ca2+ transients in the cardiomyocyte, Ca2+ is also released from the SR via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors (InsP3Rs). This InsP3-induced Ca2+ release modifies Ca2+ transients during ECC, participates in directing Ca2+ to the mitochondria, and stimulates the transcription of genes underlying hypertrophic growth. Central to these specific actions of InsP3Rs is their localization to responsible signalling microdomains, the dyad, the SR-mitochondrial interface and the nucleus. In this review, the various roles of InsP3R in cardiac (patho)physiology and the mechanisms by which InsP3 signalling selectively influences the different cardiomyocyte cell processes in which it is involved will be presented. This article is part of the theme issue ‘The cardiomyocyte: new revelations on the interplay between architecture and function in growth, health, and disease’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Demydenko
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samaneh Ekhteraei-Tousi
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - H Llewelyn Roderick
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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21
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Mazgaoker S, Weiser-Bitoun I, Brosh I, Binah O, Yaniv Y. cAMP-PKA signaling modulates the automaticity of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes. J Gen Physiol 2022; 155:213690. [PMID: 36383232 PMCID: PMC9674091 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202213153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) have been used to screen and characterize drugs and to reveal mechanisms underlying cardiac diseases. However, before hiPSC-CMs can be used as a reliable experimental model, the physiological mechanisms underlying their normal function should be further explored. Accordingly, a major feature of hiPSC-CMs is automaticity, which is regulated by both Ca2+ and membrane clocks. To investigate the mechanisms coupling these clocks, we tested three hypotheses: (1) normal automaticity of spontaneously beating hiPSC-CMs is regulated by local Ca2+ releases (LCRs) and cAMP/PKA-dependent coupling of Ca2+ clock to M clock; (2) the LCR period indicates the level of crosstalk within the coupled-clock system; and (3) perturbing the activity of even one clock can lead to hiPSC-CM-altered automaticity due to diminished crosstalk within the coupled-clock system. By measuring the local and global Ca2+ transients, we found that the LCRs properties are correlated with the spontaneous beat interval. Changes in cAMP-dependent coupling of the Ca2+ and M clocks, caused by a pharmacological intervention that either activates the β-adrenergic or cholinergic receptor or upregulates/downregulates PKA signaling, affected LCR properties, which in turn altered hiPSC-CMs automaticity. Clocks' uncoupling by attenuating the pacemaker current If or the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ kinetics, decreased hiPSC-CMs beating rate, and prolonged the LCR period. Finally, LCR characteristics of spontaneously beating (at comparable rates) hiPSC-CMs and rabbit SAN are similar. In conclusion, hiPSC-CM automaticity is controlled by the coupled-clock system whose function is mediated by Ca2+-cAMP-PKA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savyon Mazgaoker
- Laboratory of Bioelectric and Bioenergetic Systems, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ido Weiser-Bitoun
- Laboratory of Bioelectric and Bioenergetic Systems, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Inbar Brosh
- Laboratory of Bioelectric and Bioenergetic Systems, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ofer Binah
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, TechnionIsrael Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Yaniv
- Laboratory of Bioelectric and Bioenergetic Systems, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel,Correspondence to Yael Yaniv:
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22
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Amsaleg A, Sánchez J, Mikut R, Loewe A. Characterization of the pace-and-drive capacity of the human sinoatrial node: A 3D in silico study. Biophys J 2022; 121:4247-4259. [PMID: 36262044 PMCID: PMC9703096 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is a complex structure that spontaneously depolarizes rhythmically ("pacing") and excites the surrounding non-automatic cardiac cells ("drive") to initiate each heart beat. However, the mechanisms by which the SAN cells can activate the large and hyperpolarized surrounding cardiac tissue are incompletely understood. Experimental studies demonstrated the presence of an insulating border that separates the SAN from the hyperpolarizing influence of the surrounding myocardium, except at a discrete number of sinoatrial exit pathways (SEPs). We propose a highly detailed 3D model of the human SAN, including 3D SEPs to study the requirements for successful electrical activation of the primary pacemaking structure of the human heart. A total of 788 simulations investigate the ability of the SAN to pace and drive with different heterogeneous characteristics of the nodal tissue (gradient and mosaic models) and myocyte orientation. A sigmoidal distribution of the tissue conductivity combined with a mosaic model of SAN and atrial cells in the SEP was able to drive the right atrium (RA) at varying rates induced by gradual If block. Additionally, we investigated the influence of the SEPs by varying their number, length, and width. SEPs created a transition zone of transmembrane voltage and ionic currents to enable successful pace and drive. Unsuccessful simulations showed a hyperpolarized transmembrane voltage (-66 mV), which blocked the L-type channels and attenuated the sodium-calcium exchanger. The fiber direction influenced the SEPs that preferentially activated the crista terminalis (CT). The location of the leading pacemaker site (LPS) shifted toward the SEP-free areas. LPSs were located closer to the SEP-free areas (3.46 ± 1.42 mm), where the hyperpolarizing influence of the CT was reduced, compared with a larger distance from the LPS to the areas where SEPs were located (7.17± 0.98 mm). This study identified the geometrical and electrophysiological aspects of the 3D SAN-SEP-CT structure required for successful pace and drive in silico.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Amsaleg
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jorge Sánchez
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Ralf Mikut
- Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Axel Loewe
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany.
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23
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Campana C, Ricci E, Bartolucci C, Severi S, Sobie EA. Coupling and heterogeneity modulate pacemaking capability in healthy and diseased two-dimensional sinoatrial node tissue models. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010098. [PMID: 36409762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Both experimental and modeling studies have attempted to determine mechanisms by which a small anatomical region, such as the sinoatrial node (SAN), can robustly drive electrical activity in the human heart. However, despite many advances from prior research, important questions remain unanswered. This study aimed to investigate, through mathematical modeling, the roles of intercellular coupling and cellular heterogeneity in synchronization and pacemaking within the healthy and diseased SAN. In a multicellular computational model of a monolayer of either human or rabbit SAN cells, simulations revealed that heterogenous cells synchronize their discharge frequency into a unique beating rhythm across a wide range of heterogeneity and intercellular coupling values. However, an unanticipated behavior appeared under pathological conditions where perturbation of ionic currents led to reduced excitability. Under these conditions, an intermediate range of intercellular coupling (900-4000 MΩ) was beneficial to SAN automaticity, enabling a very small portion of tissue (3.4%) to drive propagation, with propagation failure occurring at both lower and higher resistances. This protective effect of intercellular coupling and heterogeneity, seen in both human and rabbit tissues, highlights the remarkable resilience of the SAN. Overall, the model presented in this work allowed insight into how spontaneous beating of the SAN tissue may be preserved in the face of perturbations that can cause individual cells to lose automaticity. The simulations suggest that certain degrees of gap junctional coupling protect the SAN from ionic perturbations that can be caused by drugs or mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Campana
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Eugenio Ricci
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Chiara Bartolucci
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Stefano Severi
- Department of Electrical, Electronic, and Information Engineering "Guglielmo Marconi", University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Eric A Sobie
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
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24
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Bychkov R, Juhaszova M, Calvo-Rubio Barrera M, Donald LAH, Coletta C, Shumaker C, Moorman K, Sirenko ST, Maltsev AV, Sollott SJ, Lakatta EG. The Heart's Pacemaker Mimics Brain Cytoarchitecture and Function: Novel Interstitial Cells Expose Complexity of the SAN. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2022; 8:1191-1215. [PMID: 36182566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sinoatrial node (SAN) of the heart produces rhythmic action potentials, generated via calcium signaling within and among pacemaker cells. Our previous work has described the SAN as composed of a hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated potassium channel 4 (HCN4)-expressing pacemaker cell meshwork, which merges with a network of connexin 43+/F-actin+ cells. It is also known that sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation create an autonomic plexus in the SAN that modulates heart rate and rhythm. However, the anatomical details of the interaction of this plexus with the pacemaker cell meshwork have yet to be described. OBJECTIVES This study sought to describe the 3-dimensional cytoarchitecture of the mouse SAN, including autonomic innervation, peripheral glial cells, and pacemaker cells. METHODS The cytoarchitecture of SAN whole-mount preparations was examined by three-dimensional confocal laser-scanning microscopy of triple immunolabeled with combinations of antibodies for HCN4, S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), choline acetyltransferase, or vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and tyrosine hydroxylase, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS The SAN exhibited heterogeneous autonomic innervation, which was accompanied by a web of peripheral glial cells and a novel S100B+/GFAP- interstitial cell population, with a unique morphology and a distinct distribution pattern, creating complex interactions with other cell types in the node, particularly with HCN4-expressing cells. Transmission electron microscopy identified a similar population of interstitial cells as telocytes, which appeared to secrete vesicles toward pacemaker cells. Application of S100B to SAN preparations desynchronized Ca2+ signaling in HCN4-expressing cells and increased variability in SAN impulse rate and rhythm. CONCLUSIONS The autonomic plexus, peripheral glial cell web, and a novel S100B+/GFAP- interstitial cell type embedded within the HCN4+ cell meshwork increase the structural and functional complexity of the SAN and provide a new regulatory pathway of rhythmogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rostislav Bychkov
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Magdalena Juhaszova
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Miguel Calvo-Rubio Barrera
- Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Lorenzo A H Donald
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher Coletta
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chad Shumaker
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kayla Moorman
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Syevda Tagirova Sirenko
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Alexander V Maltsev
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven J Sollott
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Edward G Lakatta
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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25
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Guarina L, Moghbel AN, Pourhosseinzadeh MS, Cudmore RH, Sato D, Clancy CE, Santana LF. Biological noise is a key determinant of the reproducibility and adaptability of cardiac pacemaking and EC coupling. J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:213185. [PMID: 35482009 PMCID: PMC9059386 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202012613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Each heartbeat begins with the generation of an action potential in pacemaking cells in the sinoatrial node. This signal triggers contraction of cardiac muscle through a process termed excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. EC coupling is initiated in dyadic structures of cardiac myocytes, where ryanodine receptors in the junctional sarcoplasmic reticulum come into close apposition with clusters of CaV1.2 channels in invaginations of the sarcolemma. Cooperative activation of CaV1.2 channels within these clusters causes a local increase in intracellular Ca2+ that activates the juxtaposed ryanodine receptors. A salient feature of healthy cardiac function is the reliable and precise beat-to-beat pacemaking and amplitude of Ca2+ transients during EC coupling. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries suggesting that the exquisite reproducibility of this system emerges, paradoxically, from high variability at subcellular, cellular, and network levels. This variability is attributable to stochastic fluctuations in ion channel trafficking, clustering, and gating, as well as dyadic structure, which increase intracellular Ca2+ variance during EC coupling. Although the effects of these large, local fluctuations in function and organization are sometimes negligible at the macroscopic level owing to spatial-temporal summation within and across cells in the tissue, recent work suggests that the "noisiness" of these intracellular Ca2+ events may either enhance or counterintuitively reduce variability in a context-dependent manner. Indeed, these noisy events may represent distinct regulatory features in the tuning of cardiac contractility. Collectively, these observations support the importance of incorporating experimentally determined values of Ca2+ variance in all EC coupling models. The high reproducibility of cardiac contraction is a paradoxical outcome of high Ca2+ signaling variability at subcellular, cellular, and network levels caused by stochastic fluctuations in multiple processes in time and space. This underlying stochasticity, which counterintuitively manifests as reliable, consistent Ca2+ transients during EC coupling, also allows for rapid changes in cardiac rhythmicity and contractility in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Guarina
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Ariana Neelufar Moghbel
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | | | - Robert H Cudmore
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Daisuke Sato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Colleen E Clancy
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Luis Fernando Santana
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA
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26
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Bose SJ, Read MJ, Akerman E, Capel RA, Ayagama T, Russell A, Terrar DA, Zaccolo M, Burton RAB. Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase 1 by ST034307 inhibits IP3-evoked changes in sino-atrial node beat rate. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:951897. [PMID: 36105228 PMCID: PMC9465815 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.951897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AF), are a major mortality risk and a leading cause of stroke. The IP3 signalling pathway has been proposed as an atrial-specific target for AF therapy, and atrial IP3 signalling has been linked to the activation of calcium sensitive adenylyl cyclases AC1 and AC8. We investigated the involvement of AC1 in the response of intact mouse atrial tissue and isolated guinea pig atrial and sino-atrial node (SAN) cells to the α-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (PE) using the selective AC1 inhibitor ST034307. The maximum rate change of spontaneously beating mouse right atrial tissue exposed to PE was reduced from 14.5% to 8.2% (p = 0.005) in the presence of 1 μM ST034307, whereas the increase in tension generated in paced left atrial tissue in the presence of PE was not inhibited by ST034307 (Control = 14.2%, ST034307 = 16.3%; p > 0.05). Experiments were performed using isolated guinea pig atrial and SAN cells loaded with Fluo-5F-AM to record changes in calcium transients (CaT) generated by 10 μM PE in the presence and absence of 1 μM ST034307. ST034307 significantly reduced the beating rate of SAN cells (0.34-fold decrease; p = 0.003) but did not inhibit changes in CaT amplitude in response to PE in atrial cells. The results presented here demonstrate pharmacologically the involvement of AC1 in the downstream response of atrial pacemaker activity to α-adrenoreceptor stimulation and IP3R calcium release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J. Bose
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J. Read
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Akerman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca A. Capel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thamali Ayagama
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Russell
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Derek A. Terrar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Manuela Zaccolo
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca A. B. Burton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Rebecca A. B. Burton,
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27
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Maltsev AV, Stern MD, Maltsev VA. Disorder in Ca2+ release unit locations confers robustness but cuts flexibility of heart pacemaking. J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:213390. [PMID: 35943725 PMCID: PMC9366202 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202113061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitation-contraction coupling kinetics is dictated by the action potential rate of sinoatrial-nodal cells. These cells generate local Ca releases (LCRs) that activate Na/Ca exchanger current, which accelerates diastolic depolarization and determines the pace. LCRs are generated by clusters of ryanodine receptors, Ca release units (CRUs), residing in the sarcoplasmic reticulum. While CRU distribution exhibits substantial heterogeneity, its functional importance remains unknown. Using numerical modeling, here we show that with a square lattice distribution of CRUs, Ca-induced-Ca-release propagation during diastolic depolarization is insufficient for pacemaking within a broad range of realistic ICaL densities. Allowing each CRU to deviate randomly from its lattice position allows sparks to propagate, as observed experimentally. As disorder increases, the CRU distribution exhibits larger empty spaces and simultaneously CRU clusters, as in Poisson clumping. Propagating within the clusters, Ca release becomes synchronized, increasing action potential rate and reviving pacemaker function of dormant/nonfiring cells. However, cells with fully disordered CRU positions could not reach low firing rates and their β-adrenergic-receptor stimulation effect was substantially decreased. Inclusion of Cav1.3, a low-voltage activation L-type Ca channel isoform into ICaL, strongly increases recruitment of CRUs to fire during diastolic depolarization, increasing robustness of pacemaking and complementing effects of CRU distribution. Thus, order/disorder in CRU locations along with Cav1.3 expression regulates pacemaker function via synchronization of CRU firing. Excessive CRU disorder and/or overexpression of Cav1.3 boosts pacemaker function in the basal state, but limits the rate range, which may contribute to heart rate range decline with age and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Maltsev
- School of Mathematics, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK,Correspondence to Anna V. Maltsev:
| | - Michael D. Stern
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Victor A. Maltsev
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD,Victor A. Maltsev:
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28
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D'Souza A, Boink GJJ, Toyoda F, Mesirca P. Editorial: Cardiac Pacemaking in Health and Disease: From Genes to Function. Front Physiol 2022; 13:913506. [PMID: 35711314 PMCID: PMC9197676 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.913506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia D'Souza
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard J J Boink
- Departments of Cardiology and Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Research Program: Heart Failure and Arrhythmias, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Futoshi Toyoda
- Department of Physiology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Pietro Mesirca
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics, Montpellier, France
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29
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Maltsev AV, Stern MD, Lakatta EG, Maltsev VA. Functional Heterogeneity of Cell Populations Increases Robustness of Pacemaker Function in a Numerical Model of the Sinoatrial Node Tissue. Front Physiol 2022; 13:845634. [PMID: 35574456 PMCID: PMC9091312 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.845634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Each heartbeat is initiated by specialized pacemaker cells operating within the sinoatrial node (SAN). While individual cells within SAN tissue exhibit substantial heterogeneity of their electrophysiological parameters and Ca cycling, the role of this heterogeneity for cardiac pacemaker function remains mainly unknown. Here we investigated the problem numerically in a 25 × 25 square grid of connected coupled-clock Maltsev-Lakatta cell models. The tissue models were populated by cells with different degree of heterogeneity of the two key model parameters, maximum L-type Ca current conductance (gCaL) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca pumping rate (Pup). Our simulations showed that in the areas of Pup-gCaL parametric space at the edge of the system stability, where action potential (AP) firing is absent or dysrhythmic in SAN tissue models populated with identical cells, rhythmic AP firing can be rescued by populating the tissues with heterogeneous cells. This robust SAN function is synergistic with respect to heterogeneity in gCaL and Pup and can be further strengthened by clustering of cells with similar properties. The effect of cell heterogeneity is not due to a simple summation of activity of intrinsically firing cells naturally present in heterogeneous SAN; rather AP firing cells locally and critically interact with non-firing/dormant cells. When firing cells prevail, they recruit many dormant cells to fire, strongly enhancing overall SAN function; and vice versa, prevailing dormant cells suppress AP firing in cells with intrinsic automaticity and halt SAN function. The transitions between firing and non-firing states of the system are sharp, resembling phase transitions in statistical physics. Furthermore, robust function of heterogeneous SAN tissue requires weak cell coupling, a known property of the central area of SAN where cardiac impulse emerges; stronger cell coupling reduces AP firing rate and ultimately halts SAN automaticity at the edge of stability.
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Louradour J, Bortolotti O, Torre E, Bidaud I, Lamb N, Fernandez A, Le Guennec JY, Mangoni ME, Mesirca P. L-Type Cav1.3 Calcium Channels Are Required for Beta-Adrenergic Triggered Automaticity in Dormant Mouse Sinoatrial Pacemaker Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071114. [PMID: 35406677 PMCID: PMC8997967 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sinoatrial node cells (SANC) automaticity is generated by functional association between the activity of plasmalemmal ion channels and local diastolic intracellular Ca2+ release (LCR) from ryanodine receptors. Strikingly, most isolated SANC exhibit a “dormant” state, whereas only a fraction shows regular firing as observed in intact SAN. Recent studies showed that β-adrenergic stimulation can initiate spontaneous firing in dormant SANC, though this mechanism is not entirely understood. Methods: To investigate the role of L-type Cav1.3 Ca2+ channels in the adrenergic regulation of automaticity in dormant SANC, we used a knock-in mouse strain in which the sensitivity of L-type Cav1.2 α1 subunits to dihydropyridines (DHPs) was inactivated (Cav1.2DHP−/−), enabling the selective pharmacological inhibition of Cav1.3 by DHPs. Results: In dormant SANC, β-adrenergic stimulation with isoproterenol (ISO) induced spontaneous action potentials (AP) and Ca2+ transients, which were completely arrested with concomitant perfusion of the DHP nifedipine. In spontaneously firing SANC at baseline, Cav1.3 inhibition completely reversed the effect of β-adrenergic stimulation on AP and the frequency of Ca2+ transients. Confocal calcium imaging of SANC showed that the β-adrenergic-induced synchronization of LCRs is regulated by the activity of Cav1.3 channels. Conclusions: Our study shows a novel role of Cav1.3 channels in initiating and maintaining automaticity in dormant SANC upon β-adrenergic stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Louradour
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (J.L.); (O.B.); (E.T.); (I.B.)
- LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics (ICST), 34090 Montpellier, France
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM U1046, UMR CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Olivier Bortolotti
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (J.L.); (O.B.); (E.T.); (I.B.)
- LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics (ICST), 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Eleonora Torre
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (J.L.); (O.B.); (E.T.); (I.B.)
- LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics (ICST), 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Isabelle Bidaud
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (J.L.); (O.B.); (E.T.); (I.B.)
- LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics (ICST), 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Ned Lamb
- Mammalian Stem Cell Biology Group, Institute of Human Genetics, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France; (N.L.); (A.F.)
| | - Anne Fernandez
- Mammalian Stem Cell Biology Group, Institute of Human Genetics, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France; (N.L.); (A.F.)
| | - Jean-Yves Le Guennec
- PhyMedExp, Université de Montpellier, INSERM U1046, UMR CNRS, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Matteo E. Mangoni
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (J.L.); (O.B.); (E.T.); (I.B.)
- LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics (ICST), 34090 Montpellier, France
- Correspondence: (M.E.M.); (P.M.)
| | - Pietro Mesirca
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, 34090 Montpellier, France; (J.L.); (O.B.); (E.T.); (I.B.)
- LabEx Ion Channels Science and Therapeutics (ICST), 34090 Montpellier, France
- Correspondence: (M.E.M.); (P.M.)
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The Inhibition of the Small-Conductance Ca2+-Activated Potassium Channels Decreases the Sinus Node Pacemaking during Beta-Adrenergic Activation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030313. [PMID: 35337111 PMCID: PMC8948633 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030313] [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: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sinus pacemaking is based on tight cooperation of intracellular Ca2+ handling and surface membrane ion channels. An important player of this synergistic crosstalk could be the small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+-channel (ISK) that could contribute to the sinoatrial node (SAN) pacemaking driven by the intracellular Ca2+ changes under normal conditions and beta-adrenergic activation, however, the exact role is not fully clarified. SK2 channel expression was verified by immunoblot technique in rabbit SAN cells. Ionic currents and action potentials were measured by patch-clamp technique. The ECG R-R intervals were obtained by Langendorff-perfusion method on a rabbit heart. Apamin, a selective inhibitor of SK channels, was used during the experiments. Patch-clamp experiments revealed an apamin-sensitive current. When 100 nM apamin was applied, we found no change in the action potential nor in the ECG R-R interval. In experiments where isoproterenol was employed, apamin increased the cycle length of the SAN action potentials and enhanced the ECG R-R interval. Apamin did not amplify the cycle length variability or ECG R-R interval variability. Our data indicate that ISK has no role under normal condition, however, it moderately contributes to the SAN automaticity under beta-adrenergic activation.
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Mesquita T, Zhang R, Cho JH, Zhang R, Lin YN, Sanchez L, Goldhaber J, Yu JK, Liang JA, Liu W, Trayanova NA, Cingolani E. Mechanisms of Sinoatrial Node Dysfunction in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction. Circulation 2022; 145:45-60. [PMID: 34905696 PMCID: PMC9083886 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.054976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability to increase heart rate during exercise and other stressors is a key homeostatic feature of the sinoatrial node (SAN). When the physiological heart rate response is blunted, chronotropic incompetence limits exercise capacity, a common problem in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Despite its clinical relevance, the mechanisms of chronotropic incompetence remain unknown. METHODS Dahl salt-sensitive rats fed a high-salt diet and C57Bl6 mice fed a high-fat diet and an inhibitor of constitutive nitric oxide synthase (Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester [L-NAME]; 2-hit) were used as models of HFpEF. Myocardial infarction was created to induce HF with reduced ejection fraction. Rats and mice fed with a normal diet or those that had a sham surgery served as respective controls. A comprehensive characterization of SAN function and chronotropic response was conducted by in vivo, ex vivo, and single-cell electrophysiologic studies. RNA sequencing of SAN was performed to identify transcriptomic changes. Computational modeling of biophysically-detailed human HFpEF SAN was created. RESULTS Rats with phenotypically-verified HFpEF exhibited limited chronotropic response associated with intrinsic SAN dysfunction, including impaired β-adrenergic responsiveness and an alternating leading pacemaker within the SAN. Prolonged SAN recovery time and reduced SAN sensitivity to isoproterenol were confirmed in the 2-hit mouse model. Adenosine challenge unmasked conduction blocks within the SAN, which were associated with structural remodeling. Chronotropic incompetence and SAN dysfunction were also found in rats with HF with reduced ejection fraction. Single-cell studies and transcriptomic profiling revealed HFpEF-related alterations in both the "membrane clock" (ion channels) and the "Ca2+ clock" (spontaneous Ca2+ release events). The physiologic impairments were reproduced in silico by empirically-constrained quantitative modeling of human SAN function. CONCLUSIONS Chronotropic incompetence and SAN dysfunction were seen in both models of HF. We identified that intrinsic abnormalities of SAN structure and function underlie the chronotropic response in HFpEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thassio Mesquita
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rui Zhang
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jae Hyung Cho
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rui Zhang
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yen-Nien Lin
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lizbeth Sanchez
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joshua Goldhaber
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joseph K. Yu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jialiu A. Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Weixin Liu
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Natalia A. Trayanova
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
- Alliance for Cardiovascular and Diagnostic and treatment Innovation (ADVANCE), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eugenio Cingolani
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Al Kury LT, Chacar S, Alefishat E, Khraibi AA, Nader M. Structural and Electrical Remodeling of the Sinoatrial Node in Diabetes: New Dimensions and Perspectives. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:946313. [PMID: 35872997 PMCID: PMC9302195 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.946313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is composed of highly specialized cells that mandate the spontaneous beating of the heart through self-generation of an action potential (AP). Despite this automaticity, the SAN is under the modulation of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In diabetes mellitus (DM), heart rate variability (HRV) manifests as a hallmark of diabetic cardiomyopathy. This is paralleled by an impaired regulation of the ANS, and by a pathological remodeling of the pacemaker structure and function. The direct effect of diabetes on the molecular signatures underscoring this pathology remains ill-defined. The recent focus on the electrical currents of the SAN in diabetes revealed a repressed firing rate of the AP and an elongation of its tracing, along with conduction abnormalities and contractile failure. These changes are blamed on the decreased expression of ion transporters and cell-cell communication ports at the SAN (i.e., HCN4, calcium and potassium channels, connexins 40, 45, and 46) which further promotes arrhythmias. Molecular analysis crystallized the RGS4 (regulator of potassium currents), mitochondrial thioredoxin-2 (reactive oxygen species; ROS scavenger), and the calcium-dependent calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) as metabolic culprits of relaying the pathological remodeling of the SAN cells (SANCs) structure and function. A special attention is given to the oxidation of CaMKII and the generation of ROS that induce cell damage and apoptosis of diabetic SANCs. Consequently, the diabetic SAN contains a reduced number of cells with significant infiltration of fibrotic tissues that further delay the conduction of the AP between the SANCs. Failure of a genuine generation of AP and conduction of their derivative waves to the neighboring atrial myocardium may also occur as a result of the anti-diabetic regiment (both acute and/or chronic treatments). All together, these changes pose a challenge in the field of cardiology and call for further investigations to understand the etiology of the structural/functional remodeling of the SANCs in diabetes. Such an understanding may lead to more adequate therapies that can optimize glycemic control and improve health-related outcomes in patients with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina T. Al Kury
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Lina T. Al Kury, ; Moni Nader,
| | - Stephanie Chacar
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eman Alefishat
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ali A. Khraibi
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Moni Nader
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Lina T. Al Kury, ; Moni Nader,
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Gruscheski L, Brand T. The Role of POPDC Proteins in Cardiac Pacemaking and Conduction. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:160. [PMID: 34940515 PMCID: PMC8706714 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8120160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Popeye domain-containing (POPDC) gene family, consisting of Popdc1 (also known as Bves), Popdc2, and Popdc3, encodes transmembrane proteins abundantly expressed in striated muscle. POPDC proteins have recently been identified as cAMP effector proteins and have been proposed to be part of the protein network involved in cAMP signaling. However, their exact biochemical activity is presently poorly understood. Loss-of-function mutations in animal models causes abnormalities in skeletal muscle regeneration, conduction, and heart rate adaptation after stress. Likewise, patients carrying missense or nonsense mutations in POPDC genes have been associated with cardiac arrhythmias and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. In this review, we introduce the POPDC protein family, and describe their structure function, and role in cAMP signaling. Furthermore, the pathological phenotypes observed in zebrafish and mouse models and the clinical and molecular pathologies in patients carrying POPDC mutations are described.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Brand
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK;
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35
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Brennan JA, Efimov IR. Heart Rate, Hibernation, and the Power Law. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2021; 7:1345-1347. [PMID: 34794663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2021.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn A Brennan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Igor R Efimov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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36
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Komosa ER, Wolfson DW, Bressan M, Cho HC, Ogle BM. Implementing Biological Pacemakers: Design Criteria for Successful. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2021; 14:e009957. [PMID: 34592837 PMCID: PMC8530973 DOI: 10.1161/circep.121.009957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Each heartbeat that pumps blood throughout the body is initiated by an electrical impulse generated in the sinoatrial node (SAN). However, a number of disease conditions can hamper the ability of the SAN's pacemaker cells to generate consistent action potentials and maintain an orderly conduction path, leading to arrhythmias. For symptomatic patients, current treatments rely on implantation of an electronic pacing device. However, complications inherent to the indwelling hardware give pause to categorical use of device therapy for a subset of populations, including pediatric patients or those with temporary pacing needs. Cellular-based biological pacemakers, derived in vitro or in situ, could function as a therapeutic alternative to current electronic pacemakers. Understanding how biological pacemakers measure up to the SAN would facilitate defining and demonstrating its advantages over current treatments. In this review, we discuss recent approaches to creating biological pacemakers and delineate design criteria to guide future progress based on insights from basic biology of the SAN. We emphasize the need for long-term efficacy in vivo via maintenance of relevant proteins, source-sink balance, a niche reflective of the native SAN microenvironment, and chronotropic competence. With a focus on such criteria, combined with delivery methods tailored for disease indications, clinical implementation will be attainable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Komosa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (E.R.K., B.M.O.), University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis
- Stem Cell Institute (E.R.K., B.M.O.), University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis
| | - David W Wolfson
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta (D.W.W., H.C.C.)
| | - Michael Bressan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology (M.B.), University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
- McAllister Heart Institute (M.B.), University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
| | - Hee Cheol Cho
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta (D.W.W., H.C.C.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA (H.C.C.)
| | - Brenda M Ogle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (E.R.K., B.M.O.), University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis
- Stem Cell Institute (E.R.K., B.M.O.), University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis
- Department of Pediatrics (B.M.O), University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis
- Lillehei Heart Institute (B.M.O), University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis
- Institute for Engineering in Medicine (B.M.O), University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis
- Masonic Cancer Center (B.M.O), University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis
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Monfredi O, Keim-Malpass J, Moorman JR. Continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring is a dominant source of predictive signal in machine learning for risk stratification and clinical decision support . Physiol Meas 2021; 42. [PMID: 34580243 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6579/ac2130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Beaulieu-Jones and coworkers propose a litmus test for the field of predictive analytics-performance improvements must be demonstrated to be the result of non-clinician-initiated data, otherwise, there should be caution in assuming that predictive models could improve clinical decision-making (Beaulieu-Joneset al2021). They demonstrate substantial prognostic information in unsorted physician orders made before the first midnight of hospital admission, and we are persuaded that it is fair to ask-if the physician thought of it first, what exactly is machine learning for in-patient risk stratification learning about? While we want predictive analytics to represent the leading indicators of a patient's illness, does it instead merely reflect the lagging indicators of clinicians' actions? We propose that continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring-'routine telemetry data,' in Beaulieu-Jones' terms-represents the most valuable non-clinician-initiated predictive signal present in patient data, and the value added to patient care justifies the efforts and expense required. Here, we present a clinical and a physiological point of view to support our contention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Monfredi
- Center for Advanced Medical Analytics, University of Virginia, United States of America.,Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jessica Keim-Malpass
- Center for Advanced Medical Analytics, University of Virginia, United States of America.,School of Nursing, University of Virginia, United States of America
| | - J Randall Moorman
- Center for Advanced Medical Analytics, University of Virginia, United States of America.,Cardiovascular Division, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, United States of America
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38
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Bai X, Wang K, Boyett MR, Hancox JC, Zhang H. The Functional Role of Hyperpolarization Activated Current ( I f) on Cardiac Pacemaking in Human vs. in the Rabbit Sinoatrial Node: A Simulation and Theoretical Study. Front Physiol 2021; 12:582037. [PMID: 34489716 PMCID: PMC8417414 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.582037] [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: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiac hyperpolarization-activated “funny” current (If), which contributes to sinoatrial node (SAN) pacemaking, has a more negative half-maximal activation voltage and smaller fully-activated macroscopic conductance in human than in rabbit SAN cells. The consequences of these differences for the relative roles of If in the two species, and for their responses to the specific bradycardic agent ivabradine at clinical doses have not been systematically explored. This study aims to address these issues, through incorporating rabbit and human If formulations developed by Fabbri et al. into the Severi et al. model of rabbit SAN cells. A theory was developed to correlate the effect of If reduction with the total inward depolarising current (Itotal) during diastolic depolarization. Replacing the rabbit If formulation with the human one increased the pacemaking cycle length (CL) from 355 to 1,139 ms. With up to 20% If reduction (a level close to the inhibition of If by ivabradine at clinical concentrations), a modest increase (~5%) in the pacemaking CL was observed with the rabbit If formulation; however, the effect was doubled (~12.4%) for the human If formulation, even though the latter has smaller If density. When the action of acetylcholine (ACh, 0.1 nM) was considered, a 20% If reduction markedly increased the pacemaking CL by 37.5% (~27.3% reduction in the pacing rate), which is similar to the ivabradine effect at clinical concentrations. Theoretical analysis showed that the resultant increase of the pacemaking CL is inversely proportional to the magnitude of Itotal during diastolic depolarization phase: a smaller If in the model resulted in a smaller Itotal amplitude, resulting in a slower pacemaking rate; and the same reduction in If resulted in a more significant change of CL in the cell model with a smaller Itotal. This explained the mechanism by which a low dose of ivabradine slows pacemaking rate more in humans than in the rabbit. Similar results were seen in the Fabbri et al. model of human SAN cells, suggesting our observations are model-independent. Collectively, the results of study explain why low dose ivabradine at clinically relevant concentrations acts as an effective bradycardic agent in modulating human SAN pacemaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyun Bai
- Biological Physics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,School of Computer Science and Technology, Xi'an University of Posts and Telecommunications, Xi'an, China.,School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Kuanquan Wang
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
| | - Mark R Boyett
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, København, Denmark
| | - Jules C Hancox
- Biological Physics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Henggui Zhang
- Biological Physics Group, Department of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Ministry of Education, Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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39
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Kim MS, Monfredi O, Maltseva LA, Lakatta EG, Maltsev VA. β-Adrenergic Stimulation Synchronizes a Broad Spectrum of Action Potential Firing Rates of Cardiac Pacemaker Cells toward a Higher Population Average. Cells 2021; 10:2124. [PMID: 34440893 PMCID: PMC8391682 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The heartbeat is initiated by pacemaker cells residing in the sinoatrial node (SAN). SAN cells generate spontaneous action potentials (APs), i.e., normal automaticity. The sympathetic nervous system increases the heart rate commensurate with the cardiac output demand via stimulation of SAN β-adrenergic receptors (βAR). While SAN cells reportedly represent a highly heterogeneous cell population, the current dogma is that, in response to βAR stimulation, all cells increase their spontaneous AP firing rate in a similar fashion. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cell-to-cell variability in the responses of a large population of SAN cells. We measured the βAR responses among 166 single SAN cells isolated from 33 guinea pig hearts. In contrast to the current dogma, the SAN cell responses to βAR stimulation substantially varied. In each cell, changes in the AP cycle length were highly correlated (R2 = 0.97) with the AP cycle length before βAR stimulation. While, as expected, on average, the cells increased their pacemaker rate, greater responses were observed in cells with slower basal rates, and vice versa: cells with higher basal rates showed smaller responses, no responses, or even decreased their rate. Thus, βAR stimulation synchronized the operation of the SAN cell population toward a higher average rate, rather than uniformly shifting the rate in each cell, creating a new paradigm of βAR-driven fight-or-flight responses among individual pacemaker cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Victor A. Maltsev
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (M.S.K.); (O.M.); (L.A.M.); (E.G.L.)
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Synchronized Cardiac Impulses Emerge From Heterogeneous Local Calcium Signals Within and Among Cells of Pacemaker Tissue. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2021; 6:907-931. [PMID: 32819526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2020.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to identify subcellular Ca2+ signals within and among cells comprising the sinoatrial node (SAN) tissue. BACKGROUND The current paradigm of SAN impulse generation: 1) is that full-scale action potentials (APs) of a common frequency are initiated at 1 site and are conducted within the SAN along smooth isochrones; and 2) does not feature fine details of Ca2+ signaling present in isolated SAN cells, in which small subcellular, subthreshold local Ca2+ releases (LCRs) self-organize to generate cell-wide APs. METHODS Immunolabeling was combined with a novel technique to detect the occurrence of LCRs and AP-induced Ca2+ transients (APCTs) in individual pixels (chronopix) across the entire mouse SAN images. RESULTS At high magnification, Ca2+ signals appeared markedly heterogeneous in space, amplitude, frequency, and phase among cells comprising an HCN4+/CX43- cell meshwork. The signaling exhibited several distinguishable patterns of LCR/APCT interactions within and among cells. Rhythmic APCTs that were apparently conducted within the meshwork were transferred to a truly conducting HCN4-/CX43+ network of striated cells via narrow functional interfaces where different cell types intertwine, that is, the SAN anatomic/functional unit. At low magnification, the earliest APCT of each cycle occurred within a small area of the HCN4 meshwork, and subsequent APCT appearance throughout SAN pixels was discontinuous and asynchronous. CONCLUSIONS The study has discovered a novel, microscopic Ca2+ signaling paradigm of SAN operation that has escaped detection using low-resolution, macroscopic tissue isochrones employed in prior studies: synchronized APs emerge from heterogeneous subcellular subthreshold Ca2+ signals, resembling multiscale complex processes of impulse generation within clusters of neurons in neuronal networks.
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Vinogradova TM, Lakatta EG. Dual Activation of Phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 Regulates Basal Cardiac Pacemaker Function and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2021. [PMID: 34445119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168414.pmid:34445119;pmcid:pmc8395138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The sinoatrial (SA) node is the physiological pacemaker of the heart, and resting heart rate in humans is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Consequently, the mechanisms of initiating and regulating the normal spontaneous SA node beating rate are of vital importance. Spontaneous firing of the SA node is generated within sinoatrial nodal cells (SANC), which is regulated by the coupled-clock pacemaker system. Normal spontaneous beating of SANC is driven by a high level of cAMP-mediated PKA-dependent protein phosphorylation, which rely on the balance between high basal cAMP production by adenylyl cyclases and high basal cAMP degradation by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). This diverse class of enzymes includes 11 families and PDE3 and PDE4 families dominate in both the SA node and cardiac myocardium, degrading cAMP and, consequently, regulating basal cardiac pacemaker function and excitation-contraction coupling. In this review, we will demonstrate similarities between expression, distribution, and colocalization of various PDE subtypes in SANC and cardiac myocytes of different species, including humans, focusing on PDE3 and PDE4. Here, we will describe specific targets of the coupled-clock pacemaker system modulated by dual PDE3 + PDE4 activation and provide evidence that concurrent activation of PDE3 + PDE4, operating in a synergistic manner, regulates the basal cardiac pacemaker function and provides control over normal spontaneous beating of SANCs through (PDE3 + PDE4)-dependent modulation of local subsarcolemmal Ca2+ releases (LCRs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Vinogradova
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Edward G Lakatta
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Dual Activation of Phosphodiesterase 3 and 4 Regulates Basal Cardiac Pacemaker Function and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168414. [PMID: 34445119 PMCID: PMC8395138 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The sinoatrial (SA) node is the physiological pacemaker of the heart, and resting heart rate in humans is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Consequently, the mechanisms of initiating and regulating the normal spontaneous SA node beating rate are of vital importance. Spontaneous firing of the SA node is generated within sinoatrial nodal cells (SANC), which is regulated by the coupled-clock pacemaker system. Normal spontaneous beating of SANC is driven by a high level of cAMP-mediated PKA-dependent protein phosphorylation, which rely on the balance between high basal cAMP production by adenylyl cyclases and high basal cAMP degradation by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs). This diverse class of enzymes includes 11 families and PDE3 and PDE4 families dominate in both the SA node and cardiac myocardium, degrading cAMP and, consequently, regulating basal cardiac pacemaker function and excitation-contraction coupling. In this review, we will demonstrate similarities between expression, distribution, and colocalization of various PDE subtypes in SANC and cardiac myocytes of different species, including humans, focusing on PDE3 and PDE4. Here, we will describe specific targets of the coupled-clock pacemaker system modulated by dual PDE3 + PDE4 activation and provide evidence that concurrent activation of PDE3 + PDE4, operating in a synergistic manner, regulates the basal cardiac pacemaker function and provides control over normal spontaneous beating of SANCs through (PDE3 + PDE4)-dependent modulation of local subsarcolemmal Ca2+ releases (LCRs).
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43
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Grainger N, Guarina L, Cudmore RH, Santana LF. The Organization of the Sinoatrial Node Microvasculature Varies Regionally to Match Local Myocyte Excitability. FUNCTION (OXFORD, ENGLAND) 2021; 2:zqab031. [PMID: 34250490 PMCID: PMC8259512 DOI: 10.1093/function/zqab031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The cardiac cycle starts when an action potential is produced by pacemaking cells in the sinoatrial node. This cycle is repeated approximately 100 000 times in humans and 1 million times in mice per day, imposing a monumental metabolic demand on the heart, requiring efficient blood supply via the coronary vasculature to maintain cardiac function. Although the ventricular coronary circulation has been extensively studied, the relationship between vascularization and cellular pacemaking modalities in the sinoatrial node is poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the organization of the sinoatrial node microvasculature varies regionally, reflecting local myocyte firing properties. We show that vessel densities are higher in the superior versus inferior sinoatrial node. Accordingly, sinoatrial node myocytes are closer to vessels in the superior versus inferior regions. Superior and inferior sinoatrial node myocytes produce stochastic subthreshold voltage fluctuations and action potentials. However, the intrinsic action potential firing rate of sinoatrial node myocytes is higher in the superior versus inferior node. Our data support a model in which the microvascular densities vary regionally within the sinoatrial node to match the electrical and Ca2+ dynamics of nearby myocytes, effectively determining the dominant pacemaking site within the node. In this model, the high vascular density in the superior sinoatrial node places myocytes with metabolically demanding, high-frequency action potentials near vessels. The lower vascularization and electrical activity of inferior sinoatrial node myocytes could limit these cells to function to support sinoatrial node periodicity with sporadic voltage fluctuations via a stochastic resonance mechanism.
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Hennis K, Rötzer RD, Piantoni C, Biel M, Wahl-Schott C, Fenske S. Speeding Up the Heart? Traditional and New Perspectives on HCN4 Function. Front Physiol 2021; 12:669029. [PMID: 34122140 PMCID: PMC8191466 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.669029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is the primary pacemaker of the heart and is responsible for generating the intrinsic heartbeat. Within the SAN, spontaneously active pacemaker cells initiate the electrical activity that causes the contraction of all cardiomyocytes. The firing rate of pacemaker cells depends on the slow diastolic depolarization (SDD) and determines the intrinsic heart rate (HR). To adapt cardiac output to varying physical demands, HR is regulated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS innervate the SAN and regulate the firing rate of pacemaker cells by accelerating or decelerating SDD-a process well-known as the chronotropic effect. Although this process is of fundamental physiological relevance, it is still incompletely understood how it is mediated at the subcellular level. Over the past 20 years, most of the work to resolve the underlying cellular mechanisms has made use of genetically engineered mouse models. In this review, we focus on the findings from these mouse studies regarding the cellular mechanisms involved in the generation and regulation of the heartbeat, with particular focus on the highly debated role of the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel HCN4 in mediating the chronotropic effect. By focusing on experimental data obtained in mice and humans, but not in other species, we outline how findings obtained in mice relate to human physiology and pathophysiology and provide specific information on how dysfunction or loss of HCN4 channels leads to human SAN disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Hennis
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - René D. Rötzer
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Chiara Piantoni
- Institute for Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Wahl-Schott
- Institute for Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fenske
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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Morotti S, Ni H, Peters CH, Rickert C, Asgari-Targhi A, Sato D, Glukhov AV, Proenza C, Grandi E. Intracellular Na + Modulates Pacemaking Activity in Murine Sinoatrial Node Myocytes: An In Silico Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5645. [PMID: 34073281 PMCID: PMC8198068 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The mechanisms underlying dysfunction in the sinoatrial node (SAN), the heart's primary pacemaker, are incompletely understood. Electrical and Ca2+-handling remodeling have been implicated in SAN dysfunction associated with heart failure, aging, and diabetes. Cardiomyocyte [Na+]i is also elevated in these diseases, where it contributes to arrhythmogenesis. Here, we sought to investigate the largely unexplored role of Na+ homeostasis in SAN pacemaking and test whether [Na+]i dysregulation may contribute to SAN dysfunction. Methods: We developed a dataset-specific computational model of the murine SAN myocyte and simulated alterations in the major processes of Na+ entry (Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, NCX) and removal (Na+/K+ ATPase, NKA). Results: We found that changes in intracellular Na+ homeostatic processes dynamically regulate SAN electrophysiology. Mild reductions in NKA and NCX function increase myocyte firing rate, whereas a stronger reduction causes bursting activity and loss of automaticity. These pathologic phenotypes mimic those observed experimentally in NCX- and ankyrin-B-deficient mice due to altered feedback between the Ca2+ and membrane potential clocks underlying SAN firing. Conclusions: Our study generates new testable predictions and insight linking Na+ homeostasis to Ca2+ handling and membrane potential dynamics in SAN myocytes that may advance our understanding of SAN (dys)function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (H.N.); (A.A.-T.); (D.S.)
| | - Haibo Ni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (H.N.); (A.A.-T.); (D.S.)
| | - Colin H. Peters
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (C.H.P.); (C.R.); (C.P.)
| | - Christian Rickert
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (C.H.P.); (C.R.); (C.P.)
| | - Ameneh Asgari-Targhi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (H.N.); (A.A.-T.); (D.S.)
| | - Daisuke Sato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (H.N.); (A.A.-T.); (D.S.)
| | - Alexey V. Glukhov
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA;
| | - Catherine Proenza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (C.H.P.); (C.R.); (C.P.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (H.N.); (A.A.-T.); (D.S.)
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Tagirova Sirenko S, Tsutsui K, Tarasov KV, Yang D, Wirth AN, Maltsev VA, Ziman BD, Yaniv Y, Lakatta EG. Self-Similar Synchronization of Calcium and Membrane Potential Transitions During Action Potential Cycles Predict Heart Rate Across Species. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2021; 7:1331-1344. [PMID: 33933406 PMCID: PMC10089231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2021.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to discover regulatory universal mechanisms of normal automaticity in sinoatrial nodal (SAN) pacemaker cells that are self-similar across species. BACKGROUND Translation of knowledge of SAN automaticity gleaned from animal studies to human dysrhythmias (e.g., "sick sinus" syndrome [SSS]) requiring electronic pacemaker insertion has been suboptimal, largely because heart rate varies widely across species. METHODS Subcellular Ca2+ releases, whole cell action potential (AP)-induced Ca2+ transients, and APs were recorded in isolated mouse, guinea pig, rabbit, and human SAN cells. Ca2+-Vm kinetic parameters during phases of AP cycles from their ignition to recovery were quantified. RESULTS Although both action potential cycle lengths (APCLs) and Ca2+-Vm kinetic parameters during AP cycles differed across species by 10-fold, trans-species scaling of these during AP cycles and scaling of these to APCL in cells in vitro, electrocardiogram RR intervals in vivo, and body mass (BM) were self-similar (obeyed power laws) across species. Thus, APCL in vitro, heart rate in vivo, and BM of any species can be predicted by Ca2+-Vm kinetics during AP cycles in SAN cells measured in any single species in vitro. CONCLUSIONS In designing optimal heart rate to match widely different BM and energy requirements from mice to humans, nature did not "reinvent pacemaker cell wheels," but differentially scaled kinetics of gears that regulate the rates at which the "wheels spin." This discovery will facilitate the development of novel pharmacological and biological pacemakers featuring a normal, wide-range rate regulation in animal models and the translation of these to humans to target recalcitrant human SSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syevda Tagirova Sirenko
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Kenta Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Saitama International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kirill V Tarasov
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dongmei Yang
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ashley N Wirth
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Victor A Maltsev
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bruce D Ziman
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yael Yaniv
- Biomedical Engineering Faculty, Technion-IIT, Haifa, Israel
| | - Edward G Lakatta
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, National Institute on Aging, National Institute of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Lang D, Glukhov AV. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Functional Hierarchy of Pacemaker Clusters in the Sinoatrial Node: New Insights into Sick Sinus Syndrome. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8040043. [PMID: 33924321 PMCID: PMC8069964 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8040043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN), the primary pacemaker of the heart, consists of a heterogeneous population of specialized cardiac myocytes that can spontaneously produce action potentials, generating the rhythm of the heart and coordinating heart contractions. Spontaneous beating can be observed from very early embryonic stage and under a series of genetic programing, the complex heterogeneous SAN cells are formed with specific biomarker proteins and generate robust automaticity. The SAN is capable to adjust its pacemaking rate in response to environmental and autonomic changes to regulate the heart's performance and maintain physiological needs of the body. Importantly, the origin of the action potential in the SAN is not static, but rather dynamically changes according to the prevailing conditions. Changes in the heart rate are associated with a shift of the leading pacemaker location within the SAN and accompanied by alterations in P wave morphology and PQ interval on ECG. Pacemaker shift occurs in response to different interventions: neurohormonal modulation, cardiac glycosides, pharmacological agents, mechanical stretch, a change in temperature, and a change in extracellular electrolyte concentrations. It was linked with the presence of distinct anatomically and functionally defined intranodal pacemaker clusters that are responsible for the generation of the heart rhythm at different rates. Recent studies indicate that on the cellular level, different pacemaker clusters rely on a complex interplay between the calcium (referred to local subsarcolemmal Ca2+ releases generated by the sarcoplasmic reticulum via ryanodine receptors) and voltage (referred to sarcolemmal electrogenic proteins) components of so-called "coupled clock pacemaker system" that is used to describe a complex mechanism of SAN pacemaking. In this review, we examine the structural, functional, and molecular evidence for hierarchical pacemaker clustering within the SAN. We also demonstrate the unique molecular signatures of intranodal pacemaker clusters, highlighting their importance for physiological rhythm regulation as well as their role in the development of SAN dysfunction, also known as sick sinus syndrome.
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Tsutsui K, Florio MC, Yang A, Wirth AN, Yang D, Kim MS, Ziman BD, Bychkov R, Monfredi OJ, Maltsev VA, Lakatta EG. cAMP-Dependent Signaling Restores AP Firing in Dormant SA Node Cells via Enhancement of Surface Membrane Currents and Calcium Coupling. Front Physiol 2021; 12:596832. [PMID: 33897445 PMCID: PMC8063038 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.596832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Action potential (AP) firing rate and rhythm of sinoatrial nodal cells (SANC) are controlled by synergy between intracellular rhythmic local Ca2+ releases (LCRs) ("Ca2+ clock") and sarcolemmal electrogenic mechanisms ("membrane clock"). However, some SANC do not fire APs (dormant SANC). Prior studies have shown that β-adrenoceptor stimulation can restore AP firing in these cells. Here we tested whether this relates to improvement of synchronization of clock coupling. We characterized membrane potential, ion currents, Ca2+ dynamics, and phospholamban (PLB) phosphorylation, regulating Ca2+ pump in enzymatically isolated single guinea pig SANC prior to, during, and following β-adrenoceptor stimulation (isoproterenol) or application of cell-permeant cAMP (CPT-cAMP). Phosphorylation of PLB (Serine 16) was quantified in the same cells following Ca2+ measurement. In dormant SANC LCRs were small and disorganized at baseline, membrane potential was depolarized (-38 ± 1 mV, n = 46), and ICaL, If, and IK densities were smaller vs SANC firing APs. β-adrenoceptor stimulation or application of CPT-cAMP led to de novo spontaneous AP generation in 44 and 46% of dormant SANC, respectively. The initial response was an increase in size, rhythmicity and synchronization of LCRs, paralleled with membrane hyperpolarization and small amplitude APs (rate ∼1 Hz). During the transition to steady-state AP firing, LCR size further increased, while LCR period shortened. LCRs became more synchronized resulting in the growth of an ensemble LCR signal peaked in late diastole, culminating in AP ignition; the rate of diastolic depolarization, AP amplitude, and AP firing rate increased. ICaL, IK, and If amplitudes in dormant SANC increased in response to β-adrenoceptor stimulation. During washout, all changes reversed in order. Total PLB was higher, but the ratio of phosphorylated PLB (Serine 16) to total PLB was lower in dormant SANC. β-adrenoceptor stimulation increased this ratio in AP-firing cells. Thus, transition of dormant SANC to AP firing is linked to the increased functional coupling of membrane and Ca2+ clock proteins. The transition occurs via (i) an increase in cAMP-mediated phosphorylation of PLB accelerating Ca2+ pumping, (ii) increased spatiotemporal LCR synchronization, yielding a larger diastolic LCR ensemble signal resulting in an earlier increase in diastolic INCX; and (iii) increased current densities of If, ICaL, and IK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Maria Cristina Florio
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Annie Yang
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ashley N. Wirth
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dongmei Yang
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mary S. Kim
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Bruce D. Ziman
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rostislav Bychkov
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Oliver J. Monfredi
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Heart and Vascular Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Victor A. Maltsev
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Edward G. Lakatta
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Biomedical Research Center, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Hennis K, Biel M, Wahl-Schott C, Fenske S. Beyond pacemaking: HCN channels in sinoatrial node function. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 166:51-60. [PMID: 33753086 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are key proteins involved in the initiation and regulation of the heartbeat. Pacemaker cells within the sinoatrial node generate the electrical impulse that underlies the contraction of all atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes. To generate a stable heart rhythm, it is necessary that the spontaneous activity of pacemaker cells is synchronized. Entrainment processes in the sinoatrial node create synchrony and also mediate heart rate regulation. In the past years it has become clear that the role of HCN channels goes beyond just pacemaking and that the channels play pivotal roles in these entrainment processes that coordinate and balance sinoatrial node network activity. Here, we review the role of HCN channels in the central pacemaker process and highlight new aspects of the contribution of HCN channels to stabilizing the electrical activity of the sinoatrial node network, especially during heart rate regulation by the autonomic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Hennis
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377, Munich, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Wahl-Schott
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Neurophysiology, 30625, Hannover, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80802, Munich, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Fenske
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377, Munich, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, 80802, Munich, Germany.
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50
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Liu Y, Chen J, Fontes SK, Bautista EN, Cheng Z. Physiological And Pathological Roles Of Protein Kinase A In The Heart. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 118:386-398. [PMID: 33483740 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase A (PKA) is a central regulator of cardiac performance and morphology. Myocardial PKA activation is induced by a variety of hormones, neurotransmitters and stress signals, most notably catecholamines secreted by the sympathetic nervous system. Catecholamines bind β-adrenergic receptors to stimulate cAMP-dependent PKA activation in cardiomyocytes. Elevated PKA activity enhances Ca2+ cycling and increases cardiac muscle contractility. Dynamic control of PKA is essential for cardiac homeostasis, as dysregulation of PKA signaling is associated with a broad range of heart diseases. Specifically, abnormal PKA activation or inactivation contributes to the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia, hypertrophy, heart failure, as well as diabetic, takotsubo, or anthracycline cardiomyopathies. PKA may also determine sex-dependent differences in contractile function and heart disease predisposition. Here, we describe the recent advances regarding the roles of PKA in cardiac physiology and pathology, highlighting previous study limitations and future research directions. Moreover, we discuss the therapeutic strategies and molecular mechanisms associated with cardiac PKA biology. In summary, PKA could serve as a promising drug target for cardioprotection. Depending on disease types and mechanisms, therapeutic intervention may require either inhibition or activation of PKA. Therefore, specific PKA inhibitors or activators may represent valuable drug candidates for the treatment of heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuening Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, PBS 423, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd, ., Spokane, WA, 99202-2131, USA
| | - Jingrui Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, PBS 423, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd, ., Spokane, WA, 99202-2131, USA
| | - Shayne K Fontes
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, PBS 423, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd, ., Spokane, WA, 99202-2131, USA
| | - Erika N Bautista
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, PBS 423, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd, ., Spokane, WA, 99202-2131, USA
| | - Zhaokang Cheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, PBS 423, 412 E. Spokane Falls Blvd, ., Spokane, WA, 99202-2131, USA
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