Altered kinetics of contraction of mouse atrial myocytes expressing ventricular myosin regulatory light chain

Top-down Proteomics of Myosin Light Chain Isoforms Define Chamber-Specific Expression in the Human Heart

Myosin functions as the "molecular motor" of the sarcomere and generates the contractile force necessary for cardiac muscle contraction. Myosin light chains 1 and 2 (MLC-1 and -2) play important functional roles in regulating the structure of the hexameric myosin molecule. Each of these light chains has an "atrial" and "ventricular" isoform, so called because they are believed to exhibit chamber-restricted expression in the heart. However, recently the chamber-specific expression of MLC isoforms in the human heart has been questioned. Herein, we analyzed the expression of MLC-1 and -2 atrial and ventricular isoforms in each of the four cardiac chambers in adult non-failing donor hearts using top-down mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomics. Strikingly, we detected an isoform thought to be ventricular, MLC-2v, in the atria and confirmed the protein sequence using tandem MS (MS/MS). For the first time, a putative deamidation post-translation modification (PTM) located on MLC-2v in atrial tissue was localized to amino acid N13. MLC-1v and MLC-2a were the only MLC isoforms exhibiting chamber-restricted expression patterns across all donor hearts. Importantly, our results unambiguously show that MLC-1v, not MLC-2v, is ventricle-specific in adult human hearts. Overall, top-down proteomics allowed us an unbiased analysis of MLC isoform expression throughout the human heart, uncovering previously unexpected isoform expression patterns and PTMs.

Cardiac ventricular muscle mechanical properties through the first year of life in Sprague-Dawley rats

Advanced age has been shown to result in decreased compliance, shortening velocity, and calcium sensitivity of the heart muscle. Even though cardiac health has been studied extensively in elderly populations, relatively little is known about cardiac health and age for the first part of adulthood. The purpose of this study was to compare cardiac contractile properties across the first year of life in rats (between 17-53 weeks), corresponding to early to mid-adulthood. Hearts were harvested from rats aged 17-, 24-, 36-, and 53-weeks. Skinned cardiac trabecular fibre bundle testing was used to evaluate active and passive force properties, maximum shortening velocity, calcium sensitivity, and myosin heavy chain isoforms. Maximum active stress production was not different between age groups. Calcium sensitivity increased progressively, while shortening velocity remained unchanged after an increase from 17-and 24-weeks. Passive stiffness decreased between 17- and 24-weeks, but then increased progressively through to 53-weeks. Thus, many of the observed detrimental changes in systolic function (reduced shortening velocity and calcium sensitivity) associated with aging, do not seem to occur in early to mid-adulthood, while early signs of increased diastolic stiffness manifest within 53 weeks of age and may represent a first sign of decreasing heart function and health.

Insights into myosin regulatory and essential light chains: a focus on their roles in cardiac and skeletal muscle function, development and disease

The activity of cardiac and skeletal muscles depends upon the ATP-coupled actin-myosin interactions to execute the power stroke and muscle contraction. The goal of this review article is to provide insight into the function of myosin II, the molecular motor of the heart and skeletal muscles, with a special focus on the role of myosin II light chain (MLC) components. Specifically, we focus on the involvement of myosin regulatory (RLC) and essential (ELC) light chains in striated muscle development, isoform appearance and their function in normal and diseased muscle. We review the consequences of isoform switching and knockout of specific MLC isoforms on cardiac and skeletal muscle function in various animal models. Finally, we discuss how dysregulation of specific RLC/ELC isoforms can lead to cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases and summarize the effects of most studied mutations leading to cardiac or skeletal myopathies.

Unraveling regulatory mechanisms of atrial remodeling of mitral regurgitation pigs by gene expression profiling analysis: role of type I angiotensin II receptor antagonist

Left atrial enlargement associated with mitral regurgitation (MR) predicts a poor prognosis. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms of atrial remodeling remain unclear. We used high-density oligonucleotide microarrays and enrichment analysis to identify the alteration of RNA expression pattern and biological processes involved in the atrial remodeling of pigs with and without MR. Gene arrays from left atria tissues were compared in 13 pigs (iatrogenic MR pigs [n = 6], iatrogenic MR pigs treated with valsartan [n = 4], and pigs without MR [n = 3]). A total of 22 genes were differentially upregulated by altered fold change >2.0 (Log2FC > 1), and 49 genes were differentially downregulated by altered fold change <0.5 (Log2FC < -1) in the left atria of the MR pigs compared with the pigs without MR. Enrichment analysis showed that renin-angiotensin system was identified in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway. Notably, 12 of the 22 upregulated genes were identified to be downregulated by valsartan and 10 of the 49 downregulated genes were identified to be upregulated by valsartan. The tissue concentrations of angiotensin II and gene expression of hypertrophic gene, myosin regulatory light chain 2, ventricular isoforms, and fibrosis-related genes were significantly increased in the MR pigs compared with pigs without MR. In conclusion, differentially expressed transcriptome and related biological pathways have been identified in the left atria of the MR pigs compared with pigs without MR. Additionally, some of the differentially expressed genes could be regulated by type I angiotensin II receptor blocker.

Atrial identity is determined by a COUP-TFII regulatory network

Atria and ventricles exhibit distinct molecular profiles that produce structural and functional differences between the two cardiac compartments. However, the factors that determine these differences remain largely undefined. Cardiomyocyte-specific COUP-TFII ablation produces ventricularized atria that exhibit ventricle-like action potentials, increased cardiomyocyte size, and development of extensive T tubules. Changes in atrial characteristics are accompanied by alterations of 2,584 genes, of which 81% were differentially expressed between atria and ventricles, suggesting that a major function of myocardial COUP-TFII is to determine atrial identity. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays using E13.5 atria identified classic atrial-ventricular identity genes Tbx5, Hey2, Irx4, MLC2v, MLC2a, and MLC1a, among many other cardiac genes, as potential COUP-TFII direct targets. Collectively, our results reveal that COUP-TFII confers atrial identity through direct binding and by modulating expression of a broad spectrum of genes that have an impact on atrial development and function.

Effects of low-level &alpha;-myosin heavy chain expression on contractile kinetics in porcine myocardium

Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms are principal determinants of work capacity in mammalian ventricular myocardium. The ventricles of large mammals including humans normally express ∼10% α-MHC on a predominantly β-MHC background, while in failing human ventricles α-MHC is virtually eliminated, suggesting that low-level α-MHC expression in normal myocardium can accelerate the kinetics of contraction and augment systolic function. To test this hypothesis in a model similar to human myocardium we determined composite rate constants of cross-bridge attachment (f(app)) and detachment (g(app)) in porcine myocardium expressing either 100% α-MHC or 100% β-MHC in order to predict the MHC isoform-specific effect on twitch kinetics. Right atrial (∼100% α-MHC) and left ventricular (∼100% β-MHC) tissue was used to measure myosin ATPase activity, isometric force, and the rate constant of force redevelopment (k(tr)) in solutions of varying Ca(2+) concentration. The rate of ATP utilization and k(tr) were approximately ninefold higher in atrial compared with ventricular myocardium, while tension cost was approximately eightfold greater in atrial myocardium. From these values, we calculated f(app) to be ∼10-fold higher in α- compared with β-MHC, while g(app) was 8-fold higher in α-MHC. Mathematical modeling of an isometric twitch using these rate constants predicts that the expression of 10% α-MHC increases the maximal rate of rise of force (dF/dt(max)) by 92% compared with 0% α-MHC. These results suggest that low-level expression of α-MHC significantly accelerates myocardial twitch kinetics, thereby enhancing systolic function in large mammalian myocardium.

Differential gene expressions in atrial and ventricular myocytes: insights into the road of applying embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes for future therapies

Myocardial infarction has been the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries over the past few decades. The transplantation of cardiomyocytes offers a potential method of treatment. However, cardiomyocytes are in high demand and their supply is extremely limited. Embryonic stem cells (ESCs), which have been isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, can self-renew and are pluripotent, meaning they have the ability to develop into any type of cell, including cardiomyocytes. This suggests that ESCs could be a good source of genuine cardiomyocytes for future therapeutic purposes. However, problems with the yield and purity of ESC-derived cardiomyocytes, among other hurdles for the therapeutic application of ESC-derived cardiomyocytes (e.g., potential immunorejection and tumor formation problems), need to be overcome before these cells can be used effectively for cell replacement therapy. ESC-derived cardiomyocytes consist of nodal, atrial, and ventricular cardiomyocytes. Specifically, for treatment of myocardial infarction, transplantation of a sufficient quantity of ventricular cardiomyocytes, rather than nodal or atrial cardiomyocytes, is preferred. Hence, it is important to find ways of increasing the yield and purity of specific types of cardiomyocytes. Atrial and ventricular cardiomyocytes have differential expression of genes (transcription factors, structural proteins, ion channels, etc.) and are functionally distinct. This paper presents a thorough review of differential gene expression in atrial and ventricular myocytes, their expression throughout development, and their regulation. An understanding of the molecular and functional differences between atrial and ventricular myocytes allows discussion of potential strategies for preferentially directing ESCs to differentiate into chamber-specific cells, or for fine tuning the ESC-derived cardiomyocytes into specific electrical and contractile phenotypes resembling chamber-specific cells.

Myosin regulatory light chain phosphorylation attenuates cardiac hypertrophy

Hyperphosphorylation of myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) in cardiac muscle is proposed to cause compensatory hypertrophy. We therefore investigated potential mechanisms in genetically modified mice. Transgenic (TG) mice were generated to overexpress Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent myosin light chain kinase specifically in cardiomyocytes. Phosphorylation of sarcomeric cardiac RLC and cytoplasmic nonmuscle RLC increased markedly in hearts from TG mice compared with hearts from wild-type (WT) mice. Quantitative measures of RLC phosphorylation revealed no spatial gradients. No significant hypertrophy or structural abnormalities were observed up to 6 months of age in hearts of TG mice compared with WT animals. Hearts and cardiomyocytes from WT animals subjected to voluntary running exercise and isoproterenol treatment showed hypertrophic cardiac responses, but the responses for TG mice were attenuated. Additional biochemical measurements indicated that overexpression of the Ca2+/calmodulin-binding kinase did not perturb other Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent processes involving Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II or the protein phosphatase calcineurin. Thus, increased myosin RLC phosphorylation per se does not cause cardiac hypertrophy and probably inhibits physiological and pathophysiological hypertrophy by contributing to enhanced contractile performance and efficiency.

Increased myosin heavy chain-beta with atrial expression of ventricular light chain-2 in canine cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a naturally occurring disease in humans and dogs. Human studies have shown increased levels of myosin heavy chain (MHC)-beta in failing ventricles and the left atria (LA) and of ventricular light chain (VLC)-2 in the right atria in dilated cardiomyopathy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study evaluates the levels of MHC-beta in all heart chambers in prolonged canine right ventricular pacing. In addition, we determined whether levels of VLC2 were altered in these hearts. Failing hearts demonstrated significantly increased levels of MHC-beta in the right atria, right atrial appendage, LA, left atrial appendage (LAA), and right ventricle compared with controls. Significant levels of VLC2 were detected in the right atria of paced hearts. Differences in MHC-beta expression were observed between the LA and the LAA of paced and control dogs. MHC-beta expression was significantly greater in the LA of paced and control dogs compared with their respective LAA.

CONCLUSIONS

The cardiac myosin isoform shifts in this study were similar to those observed in end-stage human heart failure and more severe than those reported in less prolonged pacing models, supporting the use of this model for further study of end-stage human heart failure. The observation of consistent differences between sampling sites, especially LA versus LAA, indicates the need for rigorous sampling consistency in future studies.

The roles of myosin ATPase activity and myosin light chain relative content in the slowing of type IIB fibers with hindlimb unweighting in rats

We tested the hypothesis that slowing of shortening velocity generated by type IIB fibers from hindlimb-unweighted (HU) rats resulted from a reduced ATPase activity and/or a reduction in the relative content of myosin light chain 3f isoform content (MLC(3f)). After 2, 3, and 4 wk of HU, maximal unloaded shortening velocity (V(o)) of single permeabilized semimembranosus muscle fibers was determined by the slack test. Subsequently, the myosin heavy chain and the relative content of MLC were determined by SDS-PAGE. The ratio of MLC(3f) to MLC(2f) was determined by densitometric analysis. In addition, myofibrils were prepared from permeabilized fibers (soleus and semimembranosus muscles) and assayed for resting myosin ATPase and Ca(2+)-activated myosin ATPase. After HU, V(o) declined by 28-40% and the MLC(3f)/MLC(2f) ratio decreased by 32 to 48%. A significant correlation between the relative amount of MLC(3f) and V(o) was found (r = 0.48, P < 0.05). Resting myosin ATPase rates were not different between myofibrils prepared from corresponding muscles of control and HU rats (P = 0.86). Ca(2+)-activated myosin ATPase activities also were not different between myofibrils prepared from corresponding muscles of control and HU rats (P = 0.13). These data suggest that the slowing of maximal unloaded shortening velocity in type IIB fibers with HU is, at least in part, due to a relative change in the essential light chain composition, a decrease in the relative amount of MLC(3f) and most likely a concomitant increase in MLC(1f). However, this reduction in V(o) is independent of myosin ATPase activity.

Tension generation and relaxation in single myofibrils from human atrial and ventricular myocardium

Fast solution switching techniques in single myofibrils offer the opportunity to dissect and directly examine the sarcomeric mechanisms responsible for force generation and relaxation. The feasibility of this approach is tested here in human cardiac myofibrils isolated from small samples of atrial and ventricular tissue. At sarcomere lengths between 2.0 and 2.3 mum, resting tensions were significantly higher in ventricular than in atrial myofibrils. The rate constant of active tension generation after maximal Ca(2+) activation (k (ACT)) was markedly faster in atrial than in ventricular myofibrils. In both myofibril types k (ACT) was the same as the rate of tension redevelopment after mechanical perturbations and decreased significantly by decreasing [Ca(2+)] in the activating solution. Upon sudden Ca(2+) removal, active tension fully relaxed. Relaxation kinetics were (1) much faster in atrial than in ventricular myofibrils, (2) unaffected by bepridil, a drug that increases the affinity of troponin for Ca(2+), and (3) strongly accelerated by small increases in inorganic phosphate concentration. The results indicate that myofibril tension activation and relaxation rates reflect apparent cross-bridge kinetics and their Ca(2+) regulation rather than the rates at which thin filaments are switched on or off by Ca(2+) binding or removal. Myofibrils from human hearts retain intact mechanisms for contraction regulation and tension generation and represent a viable experimental model to investigate function and dysfunction of human cardiac sarcomeres.

Myosin light chain isoform expression among single mammalian skeletal muscle fibers: species variations

Extensive heterogeneity in myosin heavy chain and light chain (MLC) isoform expression in skeletal muscle has been well documented in several mammalian species. The initial objective of this study was to determine the extent of heterogeneity in myosin isoform expression among single fibers in limb muscles of dogs, a species for which relatively little has been reported. Fibers were isolated from muscles that have different functions with respect to limb extension and limb flexion and were analyzed on SDS gels, with respect to myosin isoform composition. The results of this part of the study indicate that there are at least four distinct fiber types in dog limb and diaphragm muscles, on the basis of MLC isoform expression: conventional fast (expressing fast-type isoforms of MLC1 (MLC1F) and MLC2 (MLC2F), plus MLC3), conventional slow (expressing slow-type MLC1 (MLC1S) and MLC2 (MLC2S)), hybrid (expressing MLC1S, MLC1F, MLC2S, MLC2F and MLC3) and a second slow fiber type, designated as S1F. S1F fibers express MLC1F, along with MLC1S and MLC2S and relatively low levels of MLC3. The fraction of slow fibers that are S1F fibers varies among dog limb muscles, being greater in limb extensors than flexors. Furthermore, the mean level of MLC1F in S1F fibers is greater in extensors than flexors (mean levels range from approximately 3% to 50% of total MLC1). The study was, therefore, extended to include six additional species, spanning a broad range in adult body size to more thoroughly characterize heterogeneity in MLC isoform expression among mammals. The results indicate that there are distinct patterns in MLC isoform expression among fast and slow fibers among different species. Specifically, large-size mammals have two distinct types of slow fibers, based upon MLC isoform composition (conventional and S1F fibers), whereas small mammals exhibit variations in MLC isoforms between different types of fast fibers, including a fast fiber type that expresses MLC1S (designated as F1S fibers). S1F fibers were absent in rodent muscles and F1S fibers were not found in large mammals. We conclude that extensive variation exists in MLC isoform expression in mammalian skeletal muscle fibers, yet there are distinct patterns among different species and among muscles within an individual species.

Serial analysis of gene expression in the skeletal muscle of endurance athletes compared to sedentary men

Physical exercise produces several adaptive changes in skeletal muscle. However, the molecular mechanisms of these effects are poorly understood. We performed serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) to quantify the global gene expression profile in sedentary and endurance-trained muscle. A total of 10869 SAGE tags was sequenced and represented 4727 genes. The genes most expressed in muscle are mainly involved in contraction and energy metabolism. Thirty-three genes were differentially expressed between endurance athletes and sedentary individuals. Four genes such as myosin binding protein C fast-type, glycogen phosphorylase, and pyruvate kinase were expressed less in endurance athletes, whereas eight genes coding for expressed sequence tag similar to (EST) crystallin alpha B, EST myosin light chain 2, EST surfactant pulmonary-associated protein A1, EST thrombospondin, EST fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A, EST cytochrome oxidase 1, NADH dehydrogenase 3, and G8 protein were up-regulated. Most of the up-regulated tags corresponded to novel genes. On the other hand, different isoforms of fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A were also differentially expressed. The current study underlying the most highly expressed genes allows a better understanding of global muscle characteristics in normal and endurance-trained individuals. Moreover, the current data suggest novel candidate genes that may be responsible for enhanced endurance performance.

Expression profiling reveals metabolic and structural components of extraocular muscles

The extraocular muscles (EOM) are anatomically and physiologically distinct from other skeletal muscles. EOM are preferentially affected in mitochondrial myopathies, but spared in Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. The anatomical and pathophysiological properties of EOM have been attributed to their unique molecular makeup: an allotype. We used expression profiling to define molecular features of the EOM allotype. We found 346 differentially expressed genes in rat EOM compared with tibialis anterior, based on a twofold difference cutoff. Genes required for efficient, fatigue-resistant, oxidative metabolism were increased in EOM, whereas genes for glycogen metabolism were decreased. EOM also showed increased expression of genes related to structural components of EOM such as vessels, nerves, mitochondria, and neuromuscular junctions. Additionally, genes related to specialized functional roles of EOM such as the embryonic and EOM-specific myosin heavy chains and genes for muscle growth, development, and/or regeneration were increased. The EOM expression profile was validated using biochemical, structural, and molecular methods. Characterization of the EOM expression profile begins to define gene transcription patterns associated with the unique anatomical, metabolic, and pathophysiological properties of EOM.

Myosin light chain replacement in the heart

Myosin-actin cross-bridge kinetics are an important determinant for cardiac systolic and diastolic function. We compared the effects of myosin light chain substitutions on the ability of the fibers to contract in response to calcium and in their ability to produce power. Transgenesis was used to effect essentially complete replacement of the target contractile protein isoform specifically in the heart. Atrial and ventricular fibers derived from the various transgenic (TG) lines were skinned, and the force-velocity relationships, unloaded shortening velocities, and Ca(2+)-stimulated Mg(2+)-ATPase activities were determined. Replacement with an ectopic isoform resulted in significant changes in cross-bridge cycling kinetics but without any overt effects on morbidity or mortality. To confirm that this result was not light chain specific, a modified alpha-myosin heavy chain isoform that resulted in significant changes in force development was also engineered. The animals appeared healthy and have normal lifespans, and the changes in force development did not result in significant remodeling or overt hypertrophy. We conclude that myosin light chains can control aspects of cross-bridge cycling and alter force development. The myosin heavy chain data also show that changes in the kinetics of force development and power output do not necessarily lead to activation of the hypertrophic response or significant cardiac remodeling.