1
|
Foo YY, Motakis E, Tiang Z, Shen S, Lai JKH, Chan WX, Wiputra H, Chen N, Chen CK, Winkler C, Foo RSY, Yap CH. Effects of extended pharmacological disruption of zebrafish embryonic heart biomechanical environment on cardiac function, morphology, and gene expression. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:1759-1777. [PMID: 34056790 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomechanical stimuli are known to be important to cardiac development, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we pharmacologically disrupted the biomechanical environment of wild-type zebrafish embryonic hearts for an extended duration and investigated the consequent effects on cardiac function, morphological development, and gene expression. RESULTS Myocardial contractility was significantly diminished or abolished in zebrafish embryonic hearts treated for 72 hours from 2 dpf with 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM). Image-based flow simulations showed that flow wall shear stresses were abolished or significantly reduced with high oscillatory shear indices. At 5 dpf, after removal of BDM, treated embryonic hearts were maldeveloped, having disrupted cardiac looping, smaller ventricles, and poor cardiac function (lower ejected flow, bulboventricular regurgitation, lower contractility, and slower heart rate). RNA sequencing of cardiomyocytes of treated hearts revealed 922 significantly up-regulated genes and 1,698 significantly down-regulated genes. RNA analysis and subsequent qPCR and histology validation suggested that biomechanical disruption led to an up-regulation of inflammatory and apoptotic genes and down-regulation of ECM remodeling and ECM-receptor interaction genes. Biomechanics disruption also prevented the formation of ventricular trabeculation along with notch1 and erbb4a down-regulation. CONCLUSIONS Extended disruption of biomechanical stimuli caused maldevelopment, and potential genes responsible for this are identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoke Yin Foo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Efthymios Motakis
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zenia Tiang
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shuhao Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jason Kuan Han Lai
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei Xuan Chan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hadi Wiputra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nanguang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ching Kit Chen
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christoph Winkler
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger Sik Yin Foo
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Choon Hwai Yap
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kvasilova A, Olejnickova V, Jensen B, Christoffels VM, Kolesova H, Sedmera D, Gregorovicova M. The formation of the atrioventricular conduction axis is linked in development to ventricular septation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 223:223/19/jeb229278. [PMID: 33046580 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.229278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
During development, the ventricles of mammals and birds acquire a specialized pattern of electrical activation with the formation of the atrioventricular conduction system (AVCS), which coincides with the completion of ventricular septation. We investigated whether AVCS formation coincides with ventricular septation in developing Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis). Comparisons were made with Amazon toadhead turtle (Mesoclemmys heliostemma) with a partial septum only and no AVCS (negative control) and with chicken (Gallus gallus) (septum and AVCS, positive control). Optical mapping of the electrical impulse in the crocodile and chicken showed a similar developmental specialization that coincided with full ventricular septation, whereas in the turtle the ventricular activation remained primitive. Co-localization of neural marker human natural killer-1 (HNK-1) and cardiomyocyte marker anti-myosin heavy chain (MF20) identified the AVCS on top of the ventricular septum in the crocodile and chicken only. AVCS formation is correlated with ventricular septation in both evolution and development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alena Kvasilova
- Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Olejnickova
- Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic.,Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physiology, Department of Developmental Cardiology, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hana Kolesova
- Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sedmera
- Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic .,Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physiology, Department of Developmental Cardiology, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martina Gregorovicova
- Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic .,Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Physiology, Department of Developmental Cardiology, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Olejnickova V, Sedmera D. What is the optimal light source for optical mapping using voltage- and calcium-sensitive dyes? Physiol Res 2020; 69:599-607. [DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Optical mapping is a fluorescence-based physiological method to image spreading of action potential in excitable tissues, such as the heart and central nervous system. Because of the requirements for high speed imaging in low light conditions, highly sensitive high-speed cameras together with an optical system with maximum photon efficiency are required. While the optimization of these two components is relatively straightforward, the choice of the perfect light source is less simple; depending on the other (usually fixed) components, various parameters may acquire different weight in decision-making process. Here we describe the rationale for building an optical mapping setup and consider the relative advantages and disadvantages of three different commonly available light sources: mercury vapor lamp (HBO), xenon lamp (XBO), and light emitting diode (LED). Using the same optical system (fluorescence macroscope) and high-speed camera (Ultima L), we have tested each of the sources for its ability to provide bright and even illumination of the field of view and measured its temporal fluctuations in intensity. Then we used each in the actual optical mapping experiment using isolated, perfused adult mouse heart or chick embryonic heart to determine the actual signal to noise ratio at various acquisition rates. While the LED sources have undergone significant improvements in the recent past, the other alternatives may still surpass them in some parameters, so they may not be the automatic number one choice for every application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - D Sedmera
- Developmental Cardiology, Institute of Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Battista NA, Lane AN, Liu J, Miller LA. Fluid dynamics in heart development: effects of hematocrit and trabeculation. MATHEMATICAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE IMA 2018; 35:493-516. [PMID: 29161412 PMCID: PMC7970531 DOI: 10.1093/imammb/dqx018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent in vivo experiments have illustrated the importance of understanding the haemodynamics of heart morphogenesis. In particular, ventricular trabeculation is governed by a delicate interaction between haemodynamic forces, myocardial activity, and morphogen gradients, all of which are coupled to genetic regulatory networks. The underlying haemodynamics at the stage of development in which the trabeculae form is particularly complex, given the balance between inertial and viscous forces. Small perturbations in the geometry, scale, and steadiness of the flow can lead to changes in the overall flow structures and chemical morphogen gradients, including the local direction of flow, the transport of morphogens, and the formation of vortices. The immersed boundary method was used to solve the two-dimensional fluid-structure interaction problem of fluid flow moving through a two chambered heart of a zebrafish (Danio rerio), with a trabeculated ventricle, at 96 hours post fertilization (hpf). Trabeculae heights and hematocrit were varied, and simulations were conducted for two orders of magnitude of Womersley number, extending beyond the biologically relevant range (0.2-12.0). Both intracardial and intertrabecular vortices formed in the ventricle for biologically relevant parameter values. The bifurcation from smooth streaming flow to vortical flow depends upon the trabeculae geometry, hematocrit, and Womersley number, $Wo$. This work shows the importance of hematocrit and geometry in determining the bulk flow patterns in the heart at this stage of development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Battista
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA, Department of Mathematics, CB 3250, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA and Department of Biology, 3280, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Andrea N. Lane
- Department of Mathematics, CB 3250, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA and Department of Biostatistics, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jiandong Liu
- McAllister Heart Institute, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Laura A. Miller
- Department of Mathematics, CB 3250, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA and Department of Biology, 3280, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vicente Steijn R, Sedmera D, Blom NA, Jongbloed M, Kvasilova A, Nanka O. Apoptosis and epicardial contributions act as complementary factors in remodeling of the atrioventricular canal myocardium and atrioventricular conduction patterns in the embryonic chick heart. Dev Dyn 2018; 247:1033-1042. [PMID: 30152577 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During heart development, it has been hypothesized that apoptosis of atrioventricular canal myocardium and replacement by fibrous tissue derived from the epicardium are imperative to develop a mature atrioventricular conduction. To test this, apoptosis was blocked using an established caspase inhibitor and epicardial growth was delayed using the experimental epicardial inhibition model, both in chick embryonic hearts. RESULTS Chicken embryonic hearts were either treated with the peptide caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk by intrapericardial injection in ovo (ED4) or underwent epicardial inhibition (ED2.5). Spontaneously beating embryonic hearts isolated (ED7-ED8) were then stained with voltage-sensitive dye Di-4-ANEPPS and imaged at 0.5-1 kHz. Apoptotic cells were quantified (ED5-ED7) by whole-mount LysoTracker Red and anti-active caspase 3 staining. zVAD-treated hearts showed a significantly increased proportion of immature (base to apex) activation patterns at ED8, including ventricular activation originating from the right atrioventricular junction, a pattern never observed in control hearts. zVAD-treated hearts showed decreased numbers of apoptotic cells in the atrioventricular canal myocardium at ED7. Hearts with delayed epicardial outgrowth showed also increased immature activation patterns at ED7.5 and ED8.5. However, the ventricular activation always originated from the left atrioventricular junction. Histological examination showed no changes in apoptosis rates, but a diminished presence of atrioventricular sulcus tissue compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS Apoptosis in the atrioventricular canal myocardium and controlled replacement of this myocardium by epicardially derived HCN4-/Trop1- sulcus tissue are essential determinants of mature ventricular activation pattern. Disruption can lead to persistence of accessory atrioventricular connections, forming a morphological substrate for ventricular pre-excitation. Developmental Dynamics 247:1033-1042, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Vicente Steijn
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - David Sedmera
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nico A Blom
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Monique Jongbloed
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Alena Kvasilova
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Nanka
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gregorovicova M, Sedmera D, Jensen B. Relative position of the atrioventricular canal determines the electrical activation of developing reptile ventricles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.178400. [PMID: 29674379 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.178400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Squamate reptiles appear to lack the specialized His-Purkinje system that enables the cardiac ventricle to be activated from apex to base as in mammals and birds. Instead, activation may simply spread from where the atrioventricular canal connects to the base. Gja5, which encodes Cx40, which allows fast impulse propagation, was expressed throughout the ventricles of developing anole lizards. Activation was optically recorded in developing corn snake and central bearded dragon. Early embryonic ventricles were broad in shape, and activation propagated from the base to the right. Elongated ventricles of later stages were activated from base to apex. Before hatching of the snake, the ventricle developed a cranial extension on the left and activation propagated from the base to the caudal apex and the cranial extension. In squamate reptiles, the pattern of electrical activation of the cardiac ventricle is dependent on the position of the atrioventricular canal and the shape of the ventricle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Gregorovicova
- Institute of Anatomy, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, 12800 Prague, and Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sedmera
- Institute of Anatomy, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, 12800 Prague, and Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Vostarek F, Svatunkova J, Sedmera D. Acute temperature effects on function of the chick embryonic heart. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2016; 217:276-86. [PMID: 27083765 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM We analysed the effects of acute temperature change on the beating rate, conduction properties and calcium transients in the chick embryonic heart in vitro and in ovo. METHODS The effects of temperature change (34, 37 and 40 °C) on calcium dynamics in isolated ED4 chick hearts in vitro were investigated by high-speed calcium optical imaging. For comparison and validation of in vitro measurements, experiments were also performed in ovo using videomicroscopy. Artificial stimulation experiments were performed in vitro and in ovo to uncover conduction limits of heart segments. RESULTS Decrease in temperature from 37 to 34 °C in vitro led to a 22% drop in heart rate and unchanged amplitude of Ca(2+) transients, compared to a 25% heart rate decrease in ovo. Increase in temperature from 37 to 40 °C in vitro and in ovo led to 20 and 23% increases in heart rate, respectively, and a significant decrease in amplitude of Ca(2+) transients (atrium -35%, ventricle -38%). We observed a wide spectrum of arrhythmias in vitro, of which the most common was atrioventricular (AV) block (57%). There was variability of AV block locations. Pacing experiments in vitro and in ovo suggested that the AV blocks were likely caused by relative tissue hypoxia and not by the tachycardia itself. CONCLUSION The pacemaker and AV canal are the most temperature-sensitive segments of the embryonic heart. We suggest that the critical point for conduction is the connection of the ventricular trabecular network to the AV canal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. Vostarek
- Czech Academy of Sciences; Institute of Physiology; Prague Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science; Charles University; Prague Czech Republic
| | - J. Svatunkova
- Czech Academy of Sciences; Institute of Physiology; Prague Czech Republic
| | - D. Sedmera
- Czech Academy of Sciences; Institute of Physiology; Prague Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine; Institute of Anatomy; Charles University; Prague Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Andrés-Delgado L, Mercader N. Interplay between cardiac function and heart development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:1707-16. [PMID: 26952935 PMCID: PMC4906158 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction refers to the conversion of mechanical forces into biochemical or electrical signals that initiate structural and functional remodeling in cells and tissues. The heart is a kinetic organ whose form changes considerably during development and disease. This requires cardiomyocytes to be mechanically durable and able to mount coordinated responses to a variety of environmental signals on different time scales, including cardiac pressure loading and electrical and hemodynamic forces. During physiological growth, myocytes, endocardial and epicardial cells have to adaptively remodel to these mechanical forces. Here we review some of the recent advances in the understanding of how mechanical forces influence cardiac development, with a focus on fluid flow forces. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Cardiomyocyte Biology: Integration of Developmental and Environmental Cues in the Heart edited by Marcus Schaub and Hughes Abriel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Andrés-Delgado
- Development of the Epicardium and Its Role during Regeneration Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC-ISCIII), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nadia Mercader
- Development of the Epicardium and Its Role during Regeneration Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC-ISCIII), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sedmera D, Kockova R, Vostarek F, Raddatz E. Arrhythmias in the developing heart. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2015; 213:303-20. [PMID: 25363044 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Prevalence of cardiac arrhythmias increases gradually with age; however, specific rhythm disturbances can appear even prior to birth and markedly affect foetal development. Relatively little is known about these disorders, chiefly because of their relative rarity and difficulty in diagnosis. In this review, we cover the most common forms found in human pathology, specifically congenital heart block, pre-excitation, extrasystoles and long QT syndrome. In addition, we cover pertinent literature data from prenatal animal models, providing a glimpse into pathogenesis of arrhythmias and possible strategies for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. Sedmera
- Institute of Anatomy; First Faculty of Medicine; Charles University; Prague Czech Republic
- Institute of Physiology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Prague Czech Republic
| | - R. Kockova
- Institute of Physiology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Prague Czech Republic
- Department of Cardiology; Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine; Prague Czech Republic
| | - F. Vostarek
- Institute of Physiology; Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic; Prague Czech Republic
| | - E. Raddatz
- Department of Physiology; Faculty of Biology and Medicine; University of Lausanne; Lausanne Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hemodynamic forces regulate developmental patterning of atrial conduction. PLoS One 2014; 9:e115207. [PMID: 25503944 PMCID: PMC4264946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0115207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Anomalous action potential conduction through the atrial chambers of the heart can lead to severe cardiac arrhythmia. To date, however, little is known regarding the mechanisms that pattern proper atrial conduction during development. Here we demonstrate that atrial muscle functionally diversifies into at least two heterogeneous subtypes, thin-walled myocardium and rapidly conducting muscle bundles, during a developmental window just following cardiac looping. During this process, atrial muscle bundles become enriched for the fast conduction markers Cx40 and Nav1.5, similar to the precursors of the fast conduction Purkinje fiber network located within the trabeculae of the ventricles. In contrast to the ventricular trabeculae, however, atrial muscle bundles display an increased proliferation rate when compared to the surrounding myocardium. Interestingly, mechanical loading of the embryonic atrial muscle resulted in an induction of Cx40, Nav1.5 and the cell cycle marker Cyclin D1, while decreasing atrial pressure via in vivo ligation of the vitelline blood vessels results in decreased atrial conduction velocity. Taken together, these data establish a novel model for atrial conduction patterning, whereby hemodynamic stretch coordinately induces proliferation and fast conduction marker expression, which in turn promotes the formation of large diameter muscle bundles to serve as preferential routes of conduction.
Collapse
|
11
|
Lindsey SE, Butcher JT, Yalcin HC. Mechanical regulation of cardiac development. Front Physiol 2014; 5:318. [PMID: 25191277 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00318/bibtex] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces are essential contributors to and unavoidable components of cardiac formation, both inducing and orchestrating local and global molecular and cellular changes. Experimental animal studies have contributed substantially to understanding the mechanobiology of heart development. More recent integration of high-resolution imaging modalities with computational modeling has greatly improved our quantitative understanding of hemodynamic flow in heart development. Merging these latest experimental technologies with molecular and genetic signaling analysis will accelerate our understanding of the relationships integrating mechanical and biological signaling for proper cardiac formation. These advances will likely be essential for clinically translatable guidance for targeted interventions to rescue malforming hearts and/or reconfigure malformed circulations for optimal performance. This review summarizes our current understanding on the levels of mechanical signaling in the heart and their roles in orchestrating cardiac development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan T Butcher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Huseyin C Yalcin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dogus University Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lindsey SE, Butcher JT, Yalcin HC. Mechanical regulation of cardiac development. Front Physiol 2014; 5:318. [PMID: 25191277 PMCID: PMC4140306 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces are essential contributors to and unavoidable components of cardiac formation, both inducing and orchestrating local and global molecular and cellular changes. Experimental animal studies have contributed substantially to understanding the mechanobiology of heart development. More recent integration of high-resolution imaging modalities with computational modeling has greatly improved our quantitative understanding of hemodynamic flow in heart development. Merging these latest experimental technologies with molecular and genetic signaling analysis will accelerate our understanding of the relationships integrating mechanical and biological signaling for proper cardiac formation. These advances will likely be essential for clinically translatable guidance for targeted interventions to rescue malforming hearts and/or reconfigure malformed circulations for optimal performance. This review summarizes our current understanding on the levels of mechanical signaling in the heart and their roles in orchestrating cardiac development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan T Butcher
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Huseyin C Yalcin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dogus University Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vostarek F, Sankova B, Sedmera D. Studying dynamic events in the developing myocardium. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 115:261-9. [PMID: 24954141 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation and conduction properties of the cardiomyocytes are critically dependent on physical conditioning both in vitro and in vivo. Historically, various techniques were introduced to study dynamic events such as electrical currents and changes in ionic concentrations in live cells, multicellular preparations, or entire hearts. Here we review this technological progress demonstrating how each improvement in spatial or temporal resolution provided answers to old and provoked new questions. We further demonstrate how high-speed optical mapping of voltage and calcium can uncover pacemaking potential within the outflow tract myocardium, providing a developmental explanation of ectopic beats originating from this region in the clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frantisek Vostarek
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Czech Republic; Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Sankova
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Czech Republic; Institute of Anatomy, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sedmera
- Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Czech Republic; Institute of Anatomy, First Medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Benes J, Ammirabile G, Sankova B, Campione M, Krejci E, Kvasilova A, Sedmera D. The role of connexin40 in developing atrial conduction. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1465-9. [PMID: 24486905 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2013] [Revised: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Connexin40 (Cx40) is the main connexin expressed in the murine atria and ventricular conduction system. We assess here the developmental role of Cx40 in atrial conduction of the mouse. Cx40 deficiency significantly prolonged activation times in embryonic day 10.5, 12.5 and 14.5 atria during spontaneous activation; the severity decreased with increasing age. In a majority of Cx40 deficient mice the impulse originated from an ectopic focus in the right atrial appendage; in such a case the activation time was even longer due to prolonged activation. Cx40 has thus an important physiological role in the developing atria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Benes
- Department of Cardiovascular Morphogenesis, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic; Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, Prague, Czech Republic; Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Radiology of the First Faculty of Medicine and General Teaching Hospital, U Nemocnice 2, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Grazia Ammirabile
- CNR Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Barbora Sankova
- Department of Cardiovascular Morphogenesis, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic; Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marina Campione
- CNR Institute of Neurosciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, Padova 35121, Italy
| | - Eliska Krejci
- Department of Cardiovascular Morphogenesis, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic; Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Kvasilova
- Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sedmera
- Department of Cardiovascular Morphogenesis, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic; Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, U Nemocnice 3, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Samsa LA, Yang B, Liu J. Embryonic cardiac chamber maturation: Trabeculation, conduction, and cardiomyocyte proliferation. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2013; 163C:157-68. [PMID: 23720419 PMCID: PMC3723796 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Congenital heart diseases are some of the most common human birth defects. Though some congenital heart defects can be surgically corrected, treatment options for other congenital heart diseases are very limited. In many congenital heart diseases, genetic defects lead to impaired embryonic heart development or growth. One of the key development processes in cardiac development is chamber maturation, and alterations in this maturation process can manifest as a variety of congenital defects including non-compaction, systolic dysfunction, diastolic dysfunction, and arrhythmia. During development, to meet the increasing metabolic demands of the developing embryo, the myocardial wall undergoes extensive remodeling characterized by the formation of muscular luminal protrusions called cardiac trabeculae, increased cardiomyocyte mass, and development of the ventricular conduction system. Though the basic morphological and cytological changes involved in early heart development are clear, much remains unknown about the complex biomolecular mechanisms governing chamber maturation. In this review, we highlight evidence suggesting that a wide variety of basic signaling pathways and biomechanical forces are involved in cardiac wall maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Ann Samsa
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Betsy Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jiandong Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sankova B, Benes J, Krejci E, Dupays L, Theveniau-Ruissy M, Miquerol L, Sedmera D. The effect of connexin40 deficiency on ventricular conduction system function during development. Cardiovasc Res 2012; 95:469-79. [PMID: 22739121 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvs210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to characterize ventricular activation patterns in normal and connexin40-deficient mice in order to dissect the role of connexin40 in developing the conduction system. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed optical mapping of epicardial activation between ED9.5-18.5 and analysed ventricular activation patterns and times of left ventricular activation. Mouse embryos deficient for connexin40 were compared with normal and heterozygous littermates. Morphology of the primary interventricular ring (PIR) was delineated with the help of T3-LacZ transgene. Four major types of ventricular activation patterns characterized by primary breakthrough in different parts of the heart were detected during development: PIR, left ventricular apex, right ventricular apex, and dual right and left ventricular apices. Activation through PIR was frequently present at the early stages until ED12.5. From ED14.5, the majority of hearts showed dual left and right apical breakthrough, suggesting functionality of both bundle branches. Connexin40-deficient embryos showed initially a delay in left bundle branch function, but the right bundle branch block, previously described in the adults, was not detected in ED14.5 embryos and appeared only gradually with 80% penetrance at ED18.5. CONCLUSION The switch of function from the early PIR conduction pathway to the mature apex to base activation is dependent upon upregulation of connexin40 expression in the ventricular trabeculae. The early function of right bundle branch does not depend on connexin40. Quantitative analysis of normal mouse embryonic ventricular conduction patterns will be useful for interpretation of effects of mutations affecting the function of the cardiac conduction system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Sankova
- Department of Cardiovascular Morphogenesis, Institute of Physiology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Quinn TA, Kohl P. Mechano-sensitivity of cardiac pacemaker function: pathophysiological relevance, experimental implications, and conceptual integration with other mechanisms of rhythmicity. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 110:257-68. [PMID: 23046620 PMCID: PMC3526794 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2012.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 08/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac pacemaker cells exhibit spontaneous, rhythmic electrical excitation, termed automaticity. This automatic initiation of action potentials requires spontaneous diastolic depolarisation, whose rate determines normal rhythm generation in the heart. Pacemaker mechanisms have been split recently into: (i) cyclic changes in trans-sarcolemmal ion flows (termed the ‘membrane-clock’), and (ii) rhythmic intracellular calcium cycling (the ‘calcium-clock’). These two ‘clocks’ undoubtedly interact, as trans-sarcolemmal currents involved in pacemaking include calcium-carrying mechanisms, while intracellular calcium cycling requires trans-sarcolemmal ion flux as the mechanism by which it affects membrane potential. The split into separate ‘clocks’ is, therefore, somewhat arbitrary. Nonetheless, the ‘clock’ metaphor has been conceptually stimulating, in particular since there is evidence to support the view that either ‘clock’ could be sufficient in principle to set the rate of pacemaker activation. Of course, the same has also been shown for sub-sets of ‘membrane-clock’ ion currents, illustrating the redundancy of mechanisms involved in maintaining such basic functionality as the heartbeat, a theme that is common for vital physiological systems. Following the conceptual path of identifying individual groups of sub-mechanisms, it is important to remember that the heart is able to adapt pacemaker rate to changes in haemodynamic load, even after isolation or transplantation, and on a beat-by-beat basis. Neither the ‘membrane-’ nor the ‘calcium-clock’ do, as such, inherently account for this rapid adaptation to circulatory demand (cellular Ca2+ balance changes over multiple beats, while variation of sarcolemmal ion channel presence takes even longer). This suggests that a third set of mechanisms must be involved in setting the pace. These mechanisms are characterised by their sensitivity to the cyclically changing mechanical environment, and – in analogy to the above terminology – this might be considered a ‘mechanics-clock’. In this review, we discuss possible roles of mechano-sensitive mechanisms for the entrainment of membrane current dynamics and calcium-handling. This can occur directly via stretch-activation of mechano-sensitive ion channels in the sarcolemma and/or in intracellular membrane compartments, as well as by modulation of ‘standard’ components of the ‘membrane-’ or ‘calcium-clock’. Together, these mechanisms allow rapid adaptation to changes in haemodynamic load, on a beat-by-beat basis. Additional relevance arises from the fact that mechano-sensitivity of pacemaking may help to explain pacemaker dysfunction in mechanically over- or under-loaded tissue. As the combined contributions of the various underlying oscillatory mechanisms are integrated at the pacemaker cell level into a single output – a train of pacemaker action potentials – we will not adhere to a metaphor that implies separate time-keeping units (‘clocks’), and rather focus on cardiac pacemaking as the result of interactions of a set of coupled oscillators, whose individual contributions vary depending on the pathophysiological context. We conclude by considering the utility and limitations of viewing the pacemaker as a coupled system of voltage-, calcium-, and mechanics-modulated oscillators that, by integrating a multitude of inputs, offers the high level of functional redundancy that is vitally important for cardiac automaticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Alexander Quinn
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Regulation of organ growth is critical during embryogenesis. At the cellular level, mechanisms controlling the size of individual embryonic organs include cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and attrition through cell death. All these mechanisms play a role in cardiac morphogenesis, but experimental studies have shown that the major determinant of cardiac size during prenatal development is myocyte proliferation. As this proliferative capacity becomes severely restricted after birth, the number of cell divisions that occur during embryogenesis limits the growth potential of the postnatal heart. We summarize here current knowledge concerning regional control of myocyte proliferation as related to cardiac morphogenesis and dysmorphogenesis. There are significant spatial and temporal differences in rates of cell division, peaking during the preseptation period and then gradually decreasing toward birth. Analysis of regional rates of proliferation helps to explain the mechanics of ventricular septation, chamber morphogenesis, and the development of the cardiac conduction system. Proliferation rates are influenced by hemodynamic loading, and transduced by autocrine and paracrine signaling by means of growth factors. Understanding the biological response of the developing heart to such factors and physical forces will further our progress in engineering artificial myocardial tissues for heart repair and designing optimal treatment strategies for congenital heart disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Sedmera
- Charles University in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Miquerol L, Beyer S, Kelly RG. Establishment of the mouse ventricular conduction system. Cardiovasc Res 2011; 91:232-42. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvr069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
|
20
|
|
21
|
Garita B, Jenkins MW, Han M, Zhou C, Vanauker M, Rollins AM, Watanabe M, Fujimoto JG, Linask KK. Blood flow dynamics of one cardiac cycle and relationship to mechanotransduction and trabeculation during heart looping. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2011; 300:H879-91. [PMID: 21239637 PMCID: PMC3064308 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00433.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2010] [Accepted: 01/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Analyses of form-function relationships during heart looping are directly related to technological advances. Recent advances in four-dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT) permit observations of cardiac dynamics at high-speed acquisition rates and high resolution. Real-time observation of the avian stage 13 looping heart reveals that interactions between the endocardial and myocardial compartments are more complex than previously depicted. Here we applied four-dimensional OCT to elucidate the relationships of the endocardium, myocardium, and cardiac jelly compartments in a single cardiac cycle during looping. Six cardiac levels along the longitudinal heart tube were each analyzed at 15 time points from diastole to systole. Using image analyses, the organization of mechanotransducing molecules, fibronectin, tenascin C, α-tubulin, and nonmuscle myosin II was correlated with specific cardiac regions defined by OCT data. Optical coherence microscopy helped to visualize details of cardiac architectural development in the embryonic mouse heart. Throughout the cardiac cycle, the endocardium was consistently oriented between the midline of the ventral floor of the foregut and the outer curvature of the myocardial wall, with multiple endocardial folds allowing high-volume capacities during filling. The cardiac area fractional shortening is much higher than previously published. The in vivo profile captured by OCT revealed an interaction of the looping heart with the extra-embryonic splanchnopleural membrane providing outside-in information. In summary, the combined dynamic and imaging data show the developing structural capacity to accommodate increasing flow and the mechanotransducing networks that organize to effectively facilitate formation of the trabeculated four-chambered heart.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Garita
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Research Institute, University of South Florida and All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|