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Mundisugih J, Kumar S, Kizana E. Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy for cardiac tachyarrhythmia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:939-949. [PMID: 38336191 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Cardiac tachyarrhythmia presents a significant health care challenge, causing notable morbidity and mortality. Conventional treatments have limitations and potential risks, resulting in an elevated disease burden. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy holds promise as a potential future treatment option. Therefore, we aimed to provide a measured overview of the latest developments in this rapidly growing field. PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to January 2024. Studies that employed AAV as a vector for delivery of therapeutic agents to treat cardiac tachyarrhythmia were included. Of the 26 studies included, 20 published in the last 5 years. There were 22 novel molecular targets identified. More than 80% of the included studies employed small-animal models or used AAV9. In atrial fibrillation preclinical studies, AAV-mediated gene therapy reduced atrial fibrillation inducibility by 81% (odds ratio, 0.19 [0.08-0.45]; P < .01). Similarly, for acquired and inherited ventricular arrhythmia, animal models receiving gene therapy had less inducible ventricular arrhythmia (odds ratio, 0.06 [0.03-0.11]; P < .01). This review highlights the rapid progress of AAV-mediated gene therapy for cardiac tachyarrhythmia. Although these investigations are currently in the early stages of clinical application, they present promising prospects for gene therapy. (PROSPERO registry: CRD42023479448).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Mundisugih
- Centre for Heart Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Saurabh Kumar
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Eddy Kizana
- Centre for Heart Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Hu Y, Zhang C, Wang S, Xiong H, Xie W, Zeng Z, Cai H, Wang QK, Lu Z. 14-3-3ε/YWHAE regulates the transcriptional expression of cardiac sodium channel Na V1.5. Heart Rhythm 2024:S1547-5271(24)02557-8. [PMID: 38750908 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit 5 (NaV1.5) encoded by SCN5A is associated with arrhythmia disorders. However, the molecular mechanism underlying NaV1.5 expression remains to be fully elucidated. Previous studies have reported that the 14-3-3 family acts as an adaptor involved in regulating kinetic characteristics of cardiac ion channels. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to establish 14-3-3ε/YWHAE, a member of the 14-3-3 family, as a crucial regulator of NaV1.5 and to explore the potential role of 14-3-3ε in the heart. METHODS Western blotting, patch clamping, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, RNA immunoprecipitation, electrocardiogram recording, echocardiography, and histologic analysis were performed. RESULTS YWHAE overexpression significantly reduced the expression level of SCN5A mRNA and sodium current density, whereas YWHAE knockdown significantly increased SCN5A mRNA expression and sodium current density in HEK293/NaV1.5 and H9c2 cells. Similar results were observed in mice injected with adeno-associated virus serotype 9-mediated YWHAE knockdown. The effect of 14-3-3ε on NaV1.5 expression was abrogated by knockdown of TBX5, a transcription factor of NaV1.5. An interaction between 14-3-3ε protein and TBX5 mRNA was identified, and YWHAE overexpression significantly decreased TBX5 mRNA stability without affecting SCN5A mRNA stability. In addition, mice subjected to adeno-associated virus serotype 9-mediated YWHAE knockdown exhibited shorter R-R intervals and higher prevalence of premature ventricular contractions. CONCLUSION Our data unveil a novel regulatory mechanism of NaV1.5 by 14-3-3ε and highlight the significance of 14-3-3ε in transcriptional regulation of NaV1.5 expression and cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushuang Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Shun Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Hongbo Xiong
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen Xie
- Department of Basic Medicine, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, PR China
| | - Ziyue Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - HuanHuan Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qing Kenneth Wang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Zhibing Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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Cruz FM, Macías Á, Moreno-Manuel AI, Gutiérrez LK, Vera-Pedrosa ML, Martínez-Carrascoso I, Pérez PS, Robles JMR, Bermúdez-Jiménez FJ, Díaz-Agustín A, de Benito FM, Arias-Santiago S, Braza-Boils A, Martín-Martínez M, Gutierrez-Rodríguez M, Bernal JA, Zorio E, Jiménez-Jaimez J, Jalife J. Extracellular Kir2.1 C122Y Mutant Upsets Kir2.1-PIP 2 Bonds and Is Arrhythmogenic in Andersen-Tawil Syndrome. Circ Res 2024; 134:e52-e71. [PMID: 38497220 PMCID: PMC11009053 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323895] [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] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Andersen-Tawil syndrome type 1 is a rare heritable disease caused by mutations in the gene coding the strong inwardly rectifying K+ channel Kir2.1. The extracellular Cys (cysteine)122-to-Cys154 disulfide bond in the channel structure is crucial for proper folding but has not been associated with correct channel function at the membrane. We evaluated whether a human mutation at the Cys122-to-Cys154 disulfide bridge leads to Kir2.1 channel dysfunction and arrhythmias by reorganizing the overall Kir2.1 channel structure and destabilizing its open state. METHODS We identified a Kir2.1 loss-of-function mutation (c.366 A>T; p.Cys122Tyr) in an ATS1 family. To investigate its pathophysiological implications, we generated an AAV9-mediated cardiac-specific mouse model expressing the Kir2.1C122Y variant. We employed a multidisciplinary approach, integrating patch clamping and intracardiac stimulation, molecular biology techniques, molecular dynamics, and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer experiments. RESULTS Kir2.1C122Y mice recapitulated the ECG features of ATS1 independently of sex, including corrected QT prolongation, conduction defects, and increased arrhythmia susceptibility. Isolated Kir2.1C122Y cardiomyocytes showed significantly reduced inwardly rectifier K+ (IK1) and inward Na+ (INa) current densities independently of normal trafficking. Molecular dynamics predicted that the C122Y mutation provoked a conformational change over the 2000-ns simulation, characterized by a greater loss of hydrogen bonds between Kir2.1 and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate than wild type (WT). Therefore, the phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-binding pocket was destabilized, resulting in a lower conductance state compared with WT. Accordingly, on inside-out patch clamping, the C122Y mutation significantly blunted Kir2.1 sensitivity to increasing phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate concentrations. In addition, the Kir2.1C122Y mutation resulted in channelosome degradation, demonstrating temporal instability of both Kir2.1 and NaV1.5 proteins. CONCLUSIONS The extracellular Cys122-to-Cys154 disulfide bond in the tridimensional Kir2.1 channel structure is essential for the channel function. We demonstrate that breaking disulfide bonds in the extracellular domain disrupts phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-dependent regulation, leading to channel dysfunction and defects in Kir2.1 energetic stability. The mutation also alters functional expression of the NaV1.5 channel and ultimately leads to conduction disturbances and life-threatening arrhythmia characteristic of Andersen-Tawil syndrome type 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco M. Cruz
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Macías
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lilian K. Gutiérrez
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Francisco J Bermúdez-Jiménez
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada IBS, Granada, Spain
| | - Aitor Díaz-Agustín
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Martínez de Benito
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Arias-Santiago
- Servicio de Dermatología Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada IBS, Granada, Spain
| | - Aitana Braza-Boils
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CAFAMUSME), Health Research Institute La Fe, La Fe Hospital, Valencia, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mercedes Martín-Martínez
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Gutierrez-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Química Médica (IQM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A. Bernal
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Zorio
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Unit of Inherited Cardiomyopathies and Sudden Death (CAFAMUSME), Health Research Institute La Fe, La Fe Hospital, Valencia, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Jiménez-Jaimez
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada IBS, Granada, Spain
| | - José Jalife
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Zhang ZH, Barajas-Martinez H, Jiang H, Huang CX, Antzelevitch C, Xia H, Hu D. Gene and stem cell therapy for inherited cardiac arrhythmias. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 256:108596. [PMID: 38301770 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108596] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Inherited cardiac arrhythmias are a group of genetic diseases predisposing to sudden cardiac arrest, mainly resulting from variants in genes encoding cardiac ion channels or proteins involved in their regulation. Currently available therapeutic options (pharmacotherapy, ablative therapy and device-based therapy) can not preclude the occurrence of arrhythmia events and/or provide complete protection. With growing understanding of the genetic background and molecular mechanisms of inherited cardiac arrhythmias, advancing insight of stem cell technology, and development of vectors and delivery strategies, gene therapy and stem cell therapy may be promising approaches for treatment of inherited cardiac arrhythmias. Recent years have witnessed impressive progress in the basic science aspects and there is a clear and urgent need to be translated into the clinical management of arrhythmic events. In this review, we present a succinct overview of gene and cell therapy strategies, and summarize the current status of gene and cell therapy. Finally, we discuss future directions for implementation of gene and cell therapy in the therapy of inherited cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-He Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Hector Barajas-Martinez
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Lankenau Heart Institute, Wynnwood, PA, 19096, USA; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Cong-Xin Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Charles Antzelevitch
- Lankenau Institute for Medical Research, Lankenau Heart Institute, Wynnwood, PA, 19096, USA; Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Hao Xia
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Dan Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
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5
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Tonko JB, Lambiase PD. The proarrhythmogenic role of autonomics and emerging neuromodulation approaches to prevent sudden death in cardiac ion channelopathies. Cardiovasc Res 2024; 120:114-131. [PMID: 38195920 PMCID: PMC10936753 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvae009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Ventricular arrhythmias in cardiac channelopathies are linked to autonomic triggers, which are sub-optimally targeted in current management strategies. Improved molecular understanding of cardiac channelopathies and cellular autonomic signalling could refine autonomic therapies to target the specific signalling pathways relevant to the specific aetiologies as well as the central nervous system centres involved in the cardiac autonomic regulation. This review summarizes key anatomical and physiological aspects of the cardiac autonomic nervous system and its impact on ventricular arrhythmias in primary inherited arrhythmia syndromes. Proarrhythmogenic autonomic effects and potential therapeutic targets in defined conditions including the Brugada syndrome, early repolarization syndrome, long QT syndrome, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia will be examined. Pharmacological and interventional neuromodulation options for these cardiac channelopathies are discussed. Promising new targets for cardiac neuromodulation include inhibitory and excitatory G-protein coupled receptors, neuropeptides, chemorepellents/attractants as well as the vagal and sympathetic nuclei in the central nervous system. Novel therapeutic strategies utilizing invasive and non-invasive deep brain/brain stem stimulation as well as the rapidly growing field of chemo-, opto-, or sonogenetics allowing cell-specific targeting to reduce ventricular arrhythmias are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna B Tonko
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JF, London, UK
| | - Pier D Lambiase
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, 5 University Street, London WC1E 6JF, London, UK
- Department for Cardiology, Bart’s Heart Centre, West Smithfield EC1A 7BE, London, UK
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6
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Papaioannou P, Wallace MJ, Malhotra N, Mohler PJ, El Refaey M. Biochemical Structure and Function of TRAPP Complexes in the Cardiac System. JACC Basic Transl Sci 2023; 8:1599-1612. [PMID: 38205348 PMCID: PMC10774597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2023.03.011] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Trafficking protein particle (TRAPP) is well reported to play a role in the trafficking of protein products within the Golgi and endoplasmic reticulum. Dysfunction in TRAPP has been associated with disorders in the nervous and cardiovascular systems, but the majority of literature focuses on TRAPP function in the nervous system solely. Here, we highlight the known pathways of TRAPP and hypothesize potential impacts of TRAPP dysfunction on the cardiovascular system, particularly the role of TRAPP as a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor for Rab1 and Rab11. We also review the various cardiovascular phenotypes associated with changes in TRAPP complexes and their subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Papaioannou
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael J. Wallace
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Nipun Malhotra
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Peter J. Mohler
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Mona El Refaey
- Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Research, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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7
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Needs D, Wu T, Nguyen HX, Henriquez CS, Bursac N. Prokaryotic voltage-gated sodium channels are more effective than endogenous Na v1.5 channels in rescuing cardiac action potential conduction: an in silico study. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 325:H1178-H1192. [PMID: 37737736 PMCID: PMC10908372 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00287.2023] [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] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Methods to augment Na+ current in cardiomyocytes hold potential for the treatment of various cardiac arrhythmias involving conduction slowing. Because the gene coding cardiac Na+ channel (Nav1.5) is too large to fit in a single adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector, new gene therapies are being developed to enhance endogenous Nav1.5 current (by overexpression of chaperon molecules or use of multiple AAV vectors) or to exogenously introduce prokaryotic voltage-gated Na+ channels (BacNav) whose gene size is significantly smaller than that of the Nav1.5. In this study, based on experimental measurements in heterologous expression systems, we developed an improved computational model of the BacNav channel, NavSheP D60A. We then compared in silico how NavSheP D60A expression vs. Nav1.5 augmentation affects the electrophysiology of cardiac tissue. We found that the incorporation of BacNav channels in both adult guinea pig and human cardiomyocyte models increased their excitability and reduced action potential duration. When compared with equivalent augmentation of Nav1.5 current in simulated settings of reduced tissue excitability, the addition of the BacNav current was superior in improving the safety of conduction under conditions of current source-load mismatch, reducing the vulnerability to unidirectional conduction block during premature pacing, preventing the instability and breakup of spiral waves, and normalizing the conduction and ECG in Brugada syndrome tissues with mutated Nav1.5. Overall, our studies show that compared with a potential enhancement of the endogenous Nav1.5 current, expression of the BacNav channels with their slower inactivation kinetics can provide greater anti-arrhythmic benefits in hearts with compromised action potential conduction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Slow action potential conduction is a common cause of various cardiac arrhythmias; yet, current pharmacotherapies cannot augment cardiac conduction. This in silico study compared the efficacy of recently proposed antiarrhythmic gene therapy approaches that increase peak sodium current in cardiomyocytes. When compared with the augmentation of endogenous sodium current, expression of slower-inactivating bacterial sodium channels was superior in preventing conduction block and arrhythmia induction. These results further the promise of antiarrhythmic gene therapies targeting sodium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Needs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Hung X Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Craig S Henriquez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Nenad Bursac
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States
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Palmieri G, D’Ambrosio MF, Correale M, Brunetti ND, Santacroce R, Iacoviello M, Margaglione M. The Role of Genetics in the Management of Heart Failure Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15221. [PMID: 37894902 PMCID: PMC10607512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015221] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decades, the relevance of genetics in cardiovascular diseases has expanded, especially in the context of cardiomyopathies. Its relevance extends to the management of patients diagnosed with heart failure (HF), given its capacity to provide invaluable insights into the etiology of cardiomyopathies and identify individuals at a heightened risk of poor outcomes. Notably, the identification of an etiological genetic variant necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of the family lineage of the affected patients. In the future, these genetic variants hold potential as therapeutic targets with the capability to modify gene expression. In this complex setting, collaboration among cardiologists, specifically those specializing in cardiomyopathies and HF, and geneticists becomes paramount to improving individual and family health outcomes, as well as therapeutic clinical results. This review is intended to offer geneticists and cardiologists an updated perspective on the value of genetic research in HF and its implications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianpaolo Palmieri
- School of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (N.D.B.)
| | - Maria Francesca D’Ambrosio
- Medical Genetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (M.F.D.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Michele Correale
- School of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (N.D.B.)
| | - Natale Daniele Brunetti
- School of Cardiology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (G.P.); (M.C.); (N.D.B.)
| | - Rosa Santacroce
- Medical Genetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (M.F.D.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Massimo Iacoviello
- University Cardiology Unit, Polyclinic Hospital of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Margaglione
- Medical Genetics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 70122 Foggia, Italy; (M.F.D.); (R.S.); (M.M.)
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Crotti L, Brugada P, Calkins H, Chevalier P, Conte G, Finocchiaro G, Postema PG, Probst V, Schwartz PJ, Behr ER. From gene-discovery to gene-tailored clinical management: 25 years of research in channelopathies and cardiomyopathies. Europace 2023; 25:euad180. [PMID: 37622577 PMCID: PMC10450790 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the early nineties, few years before the birth of Europace, the clinical and scientific world of familial arrhythmogenic conditions was revolutionized by the identification of the first disease-causing genes. The explosion of genetic studies over a 15-year period led to the discovery of major disease-causing genes in practically all channelopathies and cardiomyopathies, bringing insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of these conditions. The birth of next generation sequencing allowed a further step forward and other significant genes, as CALM1-3 in channelopathies and FLN C and TTN in cardiomyopathies were identified. Genotype-phenotype studies allowed the implementation of the genetic results in diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic management with a different level of evidence in different arrhythmogenic conditions. The influence of common genetic variants, i.e. SNPs, on disease manifestation was proved in mid-twenties, and in the last 10 years with the advent of genome-wide association studies performed in familial arrhythmogenic diseases, the concept of polygenic risk score has been consolidated. Now, we are at the start of another amazing phase, i.e. the initiation of first gene therapy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Crotti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1 - 20126, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Department of Cardiology, Cardiomyopathy Unit, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin and Laboratory of Cardiovascular Genetics, Piazzale Brescia, 20, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Pedro Brugada
- Heart Rhythm Management Centre, Postgraduate Program in Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, European Reference Networks Guard-Heart, Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels 1090, Belgium
| | - Hugh Calkins
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Philippe Chevalier
- Neuromyogene Institute, Claude Bernard University, Lyon 1, Lyon, France
- Service de Rythmologie, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Giulio Conte
- Division of Cardiology, Istituto Cardiocentro Ticino, Ente Cantonale Ospedaliero, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Gherardo Finocchiaro
- Cardiovascular Sciences Research Centre, St. George’s, University of London, London, UK
| | - Pieter G Postema
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure and Arrhythmias, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent Probst
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Nantes, Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| | - Peter J Schwartz
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Center for Cardiac Arrhythmias of Genetic Origin, Milan, Italy
| | - Elijah R Behr
- Cardiology Section, Institute of Molecular and Clinical Sciences, St. George's, University of London, London SW17 0RE, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Mayo Clinic Healthcare, 15 Portland Pl, London W1B 1PT, UK
- Department of Cardiology, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London SW17 0QT
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10
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Da X, Li Z, Huang X, He Z, Yu Y, Tian T, Xu C, Yao Y, Wang QK. AGGF1 therapy inhibits thoracic aortic aneurysms by enhancing integrin α7-mediated inhibition of TGF-β1 maturation and ERK1/2 signaling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2265. [PMID: 37081014 PMCID: PMC10119315 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37809-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a localized or diffuse dilatation of the thoracic aortas, and causes many sudden deaths each year worldwide. However, there is no effective pharmacologic therapy. Here, we show that AGGF1 effectively blocks TAA-associated arterial inflammation and remodeling in three different mouse models (mice with transverse aortic constriction, Fbn1C1041G/+ mice, and β-aminopropionitrile-treated mice). AGGF1 expression is reduced in the ascending aortas from the three models and human TAA patients. Aggf1+/- mice and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific Aggf1smcKO knockout mice show aggravated TAA phenotypes. Mechanistically, AGGF1 enhances the interaction between its receptor integrin α7 and latency-associated peptide (LAP)-TGF-β1, blocks the cleavage of LAP-TGF-β1 to form mature TGF-β1, and inhibits Smad2/3 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in VSMCs. Pirfenidone, a treatment agent for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, inhibits TAA-associated vascular inflammation and remodeling in wild type mice, but not in Aggf1+/- mice. In conclusion, we identify an innovative AGGF1 protein therapeutic strategy to block TAA-associated vascular inflammation and remodeling, and show that efficacy of TGF-β inhibition therapies require AGGF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwen Da
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Ziyan Li
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Xiaofan Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Zuhan He
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Yubing Yu
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Tongtong Tian
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Chengqi Xu
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
- Institute of Medical Genomics and School of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
| | - Qing K Wang
- Center for Human Genome Research, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
- Institute of Medical Genomics and School of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, P. R. China.
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11
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Kawaguchi N, Nakanishi T. Animal Disease Models and Patient-iPS-Cell-Derived In Vitro Disease Models for Cardiovascular Biology-How Close to Disease? BIOLOGY 2023; 12:468. [PMID: 36979160 PMCID: PMC10045735 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
Currently, zebrafish, rodents, canines, and pigs are the primary disease models used in cardiovascular research. In general, larger animals have more physiological similarities to humans, making better disease models. However, they can have restricted or limited use because they are difficult to handle and maintain. Moreover, animal welfare laws regulate the use of experimental animals. Different species have different mechanisms of disease onset. Organs in each animal species have different characteristics depending on their evolutionary history and living environment. For example, mice have higher heart rates than humans. Nonetheless, preclinical studies have used animals to evaluate the safety and efficacy of human drugs because no other complementary method exists. Hence, we need to evaluate the similarities and differences in disease mechanisms between humans and experimental animals. The translation of animal data to humans contributes to eliminating the gap between these two. In vitro disease models have been used as another alternative for human disease models since the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Human cardiomyocytes have been generated from patient-derived iPSCs, which are genetically identical to the derived patients. Researchers have attempted to develop in vivo mimicking 3D culture systems. In this review, we explore the possible uses of animal disease models, iPSC-derived in vitro disease models, humanized animals, and the recent challenges of machine learning. The combination of these methods will make disease models more similar to human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanako Kawaguchi
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology and Adult Congenital Cardiology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan;
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12
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Marchal GA, Remme CA. Subcellular diversity of Nav1.5 in cardiomyocytes: distinct functions, mechanisms and targets. J Physiol 2023; 601:941-960. [PMID: 36469003 DOI: 10.1113/jp283086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In cardiomyocytes, the rapid depolarisation of the membrane potential is mediated by the α-subunit of the cardiac voltage-gated Na+ channel (NaV 1.5), encoded by the gene SCN5A. This ion channel allows positively charged Na+ ions to enter the cardiomyocyte, resulting in the fast upstroke of the action potential and is therefore crucial for cardiac excitability and electrical propagation. This essential role is underscored by the fact that dysfunctional NaV 1.5 is associated with high risk for arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. However, development of therapeutic interventions regulating NaV 1.5 has been limited due to the complexity of NaV 1.5 structure and function and its diverse roles within the cardiomyocyte. In particular, research from the last decade has provided us with increased knowledge on the subcellular distribution of NaV 1.5 as well as the proteins which it interacts with in distinct cardiomyocyte microdomains. We here review these insights, detailing the potential role of NaV 1.5 within subcellular domains as well as its dysfunction in the setting of arrhythmia disorders. We furthermore provide an overview of current knowledge on the pathways involved in (microdomain-specific) trafficking of NaV 1.5, and their potential as novel targets. Unravelling the complexity of NaV 1.5 (dys)function may ultimately facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing lethal arrhythmias. This is not only of importance for pathophysiological conditions where sodium current is specifically decreased within certain subcellular regions, such as in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy, but also for other acquired and inherited disorders associated with NaV 1.5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard A Marchal
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Heart Centre, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council (CNR-INO), Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Carol Ann Remme
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Heart Centre, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure & Arrhythmias, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Gene therapy for Brugada syndrome. Nat Rev Cardiol 2022; 19:504. [PMID: 35764821 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-022-00744-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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