1
|
Sridhar A, DeSantiago J, Chen H, Pavel MA, Ly O, Owais A, Barney M, Jousma J, Nukala SB, Abdelhady K, Massad M, Rizkallah LE, Ong SG, Rehman J, Darbar D. Modulation of NOX2 causes obesity-mediated atrial fibrillation. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e175447. [PMID: 39146015 PMCID: PMC11405042 DOI: 10.1172/jci175447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is linked to an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) via increased oxidative stress. While NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), a major source of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the heart, predisposes to AF, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we studied NOX2-mediated ROS production in obesity-mediated AF using Nox2-knockout mice and mature human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-aCMs). Diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice and hiPSC-aCMs treated with palmitic acid (PA) were infused with a NOX blocker (apocynin) and a NOX2-specific inhibitor, respectively. We showed that NOX2 inhibition normalized atrial action potential duration and abrogated obesity-mediated ion channel remodeling with reduced AF burden. Unbiased transcriptomics analysis revealed that NOX2 mediates atrial remodeling in obesity-mediated AF in DIO mice, PA-treated hiPSC-aCMs, and human atrial tissue from obese individuals by upregulation of paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 (PITX2). Furthermore, hiPSC-aCMs treated with hydrogen peroxide, a NOX2 surrogate, displayed increased PITX2 expression, establishing a mechanistic link between increased NOX2-mediated ROS production and modulation of PITX2. Our findings offer insights into possible mechanisms through which obesity triggers AF and support NOX2 inhibition as a potential novel prophylactic or adjunctive therapy for patients with obesity-mediated AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jalees Rehman
- Division of Cardiology
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Dawood Darbar
- Division of Cardiology
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Administration, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen J, Qin H, Hao J, Wang Q, Chen S, Yang G, Li M, Zhu X, Wang D, Chen H, Cui C, Chen M. Cardiac-specific overexpression of CREM-IbΔC-X via CRISPR/Cas9 in mice presents a new model of atrial cardiomyopathy with spontaneous atrial fibrillation. Transl Res 2024; 267:54-66. [PMID: 38199433 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.01.001] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) forms the substrate for atrial fibrillation (AF) and underlies the potential for atrial thrombus formation and subsequent stroke. However, generating stable animal models that accurately replicate the entire progression of atrial lesions, particularly the onset of AF, presents significant challenges. In the present study, we found that the isoform of CRE-binding protein modulator (CREM-IbΔC-X), which is involved in the regulation of cardiac development and atrial rhythm, was highly expressed in atrial biopsies from patients with AF. Building upon this finding, we employed CRISPR/Cas9 technology to create a mouse model with cardiac-specific overexpression of CREM-IbΔC-X (referred to as CS-CREM mice). This animal model effectively illustrated the development of ACM through electrophysiological and structural remodelings over time. Proteomics and Chip-qPCR analysis of atrial samples revealed significant upregulation of cell-matrix adhesion and extracellular matrix structural components, alongside significant downregulation of genes related to atrial functions in the CS-CREM mice. Furthermore, the corresponding responses to anti-arrhythmia drugs, i.e., amiodarone and propafenone, suggested that CS-CREM mice could serve as an ideal in vivo model for drug testing. Our study introduced a novel ACM model with spontaneous AF by cardiac-specifically overexpressing CREM-IbΔC-X in mice, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms and therapeutic targets of ACM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiuzhou Chen
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Huiyuan Qin
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jingzhe Hao
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shaojie Chen
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Gang Yang
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Mingfang Li
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiyu Zhu
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongjin Wang
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwu Chen
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Chang Cui
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Minglong Chen
- Division of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing 210029, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lei M, Salvage SC, Jackson AP, Huang CLH. Cardiac arrhythmogenesis: roles of ion channels and their functional modification. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1342761. [PMID: 38505707 PMCID: PMC10949183 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1342761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias cause significant morbidity and mortality and pose a major public health problem. They arise from disruptions in the normally orderly propagation of cardiac electrophysiological activation and recovery through successive cardiomyocytes in the heart. They reflect abnormalities in automaticity, initiation, conduction, or recovery in cardiomyocyte excitation. The latter properties are dependent on surface membrane electrophysiological mechanisms underlying the cardiac action potential. Their disruption results from spatial or temporal instabilities and heterogeneities in the generation and propagation of cellular excitation. These arise from abnormal function in their underlying surface membrane, ion channels, and transporters, as well as the interactions between them. The latter, in turn, form common regulatory targets for the hierarchical network of diverse signaling mechanisms reviewed here. In addition to direct molecular-level pharmacological or physiological actions on these surface membrane biomolecules, accessory, adhesion, signal transduction, and cytoskeletal anchoring proteins modify both their properties and localization. At the cellular level of excitation-contraction coupling processes, Ca2+ homeostatic and phosphorylation processes affect channel activity and membrane excitability directly or through intermediate signaling. Systems-level autonomic cellular signaling exerts both acute channel and longer-term actions on channel expression. Further upstream intermediaries from metabolic changes modulate the channels both themselves and through modifying Ca2+ homeostasis. Finally, longer-term organ-level inflammatory and structural changes, such as fibrotic and hypertrophic remodeling, similarly can influence all these physiological processes with potential pro-arrhythmic consequences. These normal physiological processes may target either individual or groups of ionic channel species and alter with particular pathological conditions. They are also potentially alterable by direct pharmacological action, or effects on longer-term targets modifying protein or cofactor structure, expression, or localization. Their participating specific biomolecules, often clarified in experimental genetically modified models, thus constitute potential therapeutic targets. The insights clarified by the physiological and pharmacological framework outlined here provide a basis for a recent modernized drug classification. Together, they offer a translational framework for current drug understanding. This would facilitate future mechanistically directed therapeutic advances, for which a number of examples are considered here. The latter are potentially useful for treating cardiac, in particular arrhythmic, disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha C. Salvage
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Antony P. Jackson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bentounes SA, Bisson A, Fauchier L. Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Heart Failure: Perspectives from Recent Large Clinical Studies and Translational Research. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5066. [PMID: 37568468 PMCID: PMC10419465 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major public health issue [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sid Ahmed Bentounes
- Service de Cardiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Trousseau, Faculté de Médecine, Université François Rabelais, 37044 Tours, France (L.F.)
| | - Arnaud Bisson
- Service de Cardiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Trousseau, Faculté de Médecine, Université François Rabelais, 37044 Tours, France (L.F.)
- Service de Cardiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Orléans, 45100 Orléans, France
| | - Laurent Fauchier
- Service de Cardiologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Trousseau, Faculté de Médecine, Université François Rabelais, 37044 Tours, France (L.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Katzengruber L, Sander P, Laufer S. MKK4 Inhibitors-Recent Development Status and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087495. [PMID: 37108658 PMCID: PMC10144091 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
MKK4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4; also referred to as MEK4) is a dual-specificity protein kinase that phosphorylates and regulates both JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase) and p38 MAPK (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathways and therefore has a great impact on cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Overexpression of MKK4 has been associated with aggressive cancer types, including metastatic prostate and ovarian cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. In addition, MKK4 has been identified as a key regulator in liver regeneration. Therefore, MKK4 is a promising target both for cancer therapeutics and for the treatment of liver-associated diseases, offering an alternative to liver transplantation. The recent reports on new inhibitors, as well as the formation of a startup company investigating an inhibitor in clinical trials, show the importance and interest of MKK4 in drug discovery. In this review, we highlight the significance of MKK4 in cancer development and other diseases, as well as its unique role in liver regeneration. Furthermore, we present the most recent progress in MKK4 drug discovery and future challenges in the development of MKK4-targeting drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leon Katzengruber
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Pascal Sander
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) 'Image-Guided & Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies', Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ma S, Yan F, Hou Y. Intermedin 1-53 Ameliorates Atrial Fibrosis and Reduces Inducibility of Atrial Fibrillation via TGF-β1/pSmad3 and Nox4 Pathway in a Rat Model of Heart Failure. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041537. [PMID: 36836072 PMCID: PMC9959393 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE New drugs to block the occurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) based on atrial structural remodeling (ASR) are urgently needed. The purpose of this study was to study the role of intermedin 1-53 (IMD1-53) in ASR and AF formation in rats after myocardial infarction (MI). MATERIAL AND METHODS Heart failure was induced by MI in rats. Fourteen days after MI surgery, rats with heart failure were randomized into control (untreated MI group, n = 10) and IMD-treated (n = 10) groups. The MI group and sham group received saline injections. The rats in the IMD group received IMD1-53, 10 nmol/kg/day intraperitoneally for 4 weeks. The AF inducibility and atrial effective refractory period (AERP) were assessed with an electrophysiology test. Additionally, the left-atrial diameter was determined, and heart function and hemodynamic tests were performed. We detected the area changes of myocardial fibrosis in the left atrium using Masson staining. To detect the protein expression and mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), α-SMA, collagen Ⅰ, collagen III, and NADPH oxidase (Nox4) in the myocardial fibroblasts and left atrium, we used the Western blot method and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. RESULTS Compared with the MI group, IMD1-53 treatment decreased the left-atrial diameter and improved cardiac function, while it also improved the left-ventricle end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). IMD1-53 treatment attenuated AERP prolongation and reduced atrial fibrillation inducibility in the IMD group. In vivo, IMD1-53 reduced the left-atrial fibrosis content in the heart after MI surgery and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of collagen type Ⅰ and III. IMD1-53 also inhibited the expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and Nox4 both in mRNA and protein. In vivo, we found that IMD1-53 inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad3. In vitro, we found that the downregulated expression of Nox4 was partly dependent on the TGF-β1/ALK5 pathway. CONCLUSIONS IMD1-53 decreased the duration and inducibility of AF and atrial fibrosis in the rats after MI operation. The possible mechanisms are related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3-related fibrosis and TGF-β1/Nox4 activity. Therefore, IMD1-53 may be a promising upstream treatment drug to prevent AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenzhou Ma
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
- Cardiology Departments, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Feng Yan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
| | - Yinglong Hou
- Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
- Cardiology Departments, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250014, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang T, Huang Y, Wang ZM, Chen YT, Cao H, Liu T, Zou Q. Consequences and Mechanisms of Left Atrium Remodeling in Aging Rabbits. Bull Exp Biol Med 2022; 174:283-289. [PMID: 36602603 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-023-05691-8] [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: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the consequences and mechanisms of myocardium remodeling of aging left atrium, we analyzed the main cardiac electrophysiological parameters such as rest membrane potential, action potential amplitude, maximum rate of action potential increase (max dV/dt), action potential plateau, and 30, 50, and 90% action potential duration (APD30, APD50, and APD90, respectively), as well as the inducibility and duration of atrial arrhythmias in adult and aging rabbits. L-type calcium current was also recorded. The collagen content in the myocardium and ultrastructure of left atrial cells were also studied. Significant changes were detected in the electrophysiological parameters and structure in aged left atrium, which can contribute to atrial susceptibility to arrhythmia in aged rabbits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zi-Ming Wang
- School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Ting Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiang Zou
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Cardiovascular Research Institute of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Trieu T, Mach P, Bunn K, Huang V, Huang J, Chow C, Nakano H, Fajardo VM, Touma M, Ren S, Wang Y, Nakano A. A novel murine model of atrial fibrillation by diphtheria toxin-induced injury. Front Physiol 2022; 13:977735. [PMID: 36388109 PMCID: PMC9659601 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.977735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) continues to be a significant clinical challenge. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are beginning to identify AF susceptibility genes (Gudbjartsson et al., Nature, 2007, 448, 353-357; Choi et al., Circ. Res., 2020, 126, 200-209; van Ouwerkerk et al., Circ. Res., 2022, 127, 229-243), non-genetic risk factors including physical, chemical, and biological environments remain the major contributors to the development of AF. However, little is known regarding how non-genetic risk factors promote the pathogenesis of AF (Weiss et al., Heart Rhythm, 2016, 13, 1868-1877; Chakraborty et al., Heart Rhythm, 2020, 17, 1,398-1,404; Nattel et al., Circ. Res., 2020, 127, 51-72). This is, in part, due to the lack of a robust and reliable animal model induced by non-genetic factors. The currently available models using rapid pacing protocols fail to generate a stable AF phenotype in rodent models, often requiring additional genetic modifications that introduce potential sources of bias (Schüttler et al., Circ. Res., 2020, 127, 91-110). Here, we report a novel murine model of AF using an inducible and tissue-specific activation of diphtheria toxin (DT)-mediated cellular injury system. By the tissue-specific and inducible expression of human HB-EGF in atrial myocytes, we developed a reliable, robust and scalable murine model of AF that is triggered by a non-genetic inducer without the need for AF susceptibility gene mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Trieu
- Department of Molecular, Cell, Developmental Biology, School of Life Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Philbert Mach
- Department of Molecular, Cell, Developmental Biology, School of Life Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Bunn
- Department of Molecular, Cell, Developmental Biology, School of Life Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Vincent Huang
- Department of Molecular, Cell, Developmental Biology, School of Life Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jamie Huang
- Department of Molecular, Cell, Developmental Biology, School of Life Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christine Chow
- Department of Molecular, Cell, Developmental Biology, School of Life Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Haruko Nakano
- Department of Molecular, Cell, Developmental Biology, School of Life Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Viviana M. Fajardo
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Marlin Touma
- Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shuxun Ren
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yibin Wang
- Departments of Anesthesiology, Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Atsushi Nakano
- Department of Molecular, Cell, Developmental Biology, School of Life Science, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Cell Physiology, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shen R, Zuo D, Chen K, Yin Y, Tang K, Hou S, Han B, Xu Y, Liu Z, Chen H. K2P1 leak cation channels contribute to ventricular ectopic beats and sudden death under hypokalemia. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22455. [PMID: 35899468 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200707r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hypokalemia causes ectopic heartbeats, but the mechanisms underlying such cardiac arrhythmias are not understood. In reduced serum K+ concentrations that occur under hypokalemia, K2P1 two-pore domain K+ channels change ion selectivity and switch to conduct inward leak cation currents, which cause aberrant depolarization of resting potential and induce spontaneous action potential of human cardiomyocytes. K2P1 is expressed in the human heart but not in mouse hearts. We test the hypothesis that K2P1 leak cation channels contribute to ectopic heartbeats under hypokalemia, by analysis of transgenic mice, which conditionally express induced K2P1 specifically in hearts, mimicking K2P1 channels in the human heart. Conditional expression of induced K2P1 specifically in the heart of hypokalemic mice results in multiple types of ventricular ectopic beats including single and multiple ventricular premature beats as well as ventricular tachycardia and causes sudden death. In isolated mouse hearts that express induced K2P1, sustained ventricular fibrillation occurs rapidly after perfusion with low K+ concentration solutions that mimic hypokalemic conditions. These observed phenotypes occur rarely in control mice or in the hearts that lack K2P1 expression. K2P1-expressing mouse cardiomyocytes of transgenic mice much more frequently fire abnormal single and/or rhythmic spontaneous action potential in hypokalemic conditions, compared to wild type mouse cardiomyocytes without K2P1 expression. These findings confirm that K2P1 leak cation channels induce ventricular ectopic beats and sudden death of transgenic mice with hypokalemia and imply that K2P1 leak cation channels may play a critical role in human ectopic heartbeats under hypokalemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Pan-Vascular Research Institute, Heart, Lung, and Blood Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongchuan Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center for Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Kuihao Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, Ningbo University School of Medicine, Ningbo, China
| | - Yiheng Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Pan-Vascular Research Institute, Heart, Lung, and Blood Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Pan-Vascular Research Institute, Heart, Lung, and Blood Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shangwei Hou
- Key Laboratory for Translational Research and Innovative Therapeutics of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Han
- Key Laboratory for Translational Research and Innovative Therapeutics of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yawei Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Pan-Vascular Research Institute, Heart, Lung, and Blood Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Pan-Vascular Research Institute, Heart, Lung, and Blood Center, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haijun Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dong X, Tse G, Hao G, Du Y. Heterogeneities in Ventricular Conduction Following Treatment with Heptanol: A Multi-Electrode Array Study in Langendorff-Perfused Mouse Hearts. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12070996. [PMID: 35888085 PMCID: PMC9321110 DOI: 10.3390/life12070996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have associated slowed ventricular conduction with the arrhythmogenesis mediated by the gap junction and sodium channel inhibitor heptanol in mouse hearts. However, they did not study the propagation patterns that might contribute to the arrhythmic substrate. This study used a multi-electrode array mapping technique to further investigate different conduction abnormalities in Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts exposed to 0.1 or 2 mM heptanol. Methods: Recordings were made from the left ventricular epicardium using multi-electrode arrays in spontaneously beating hearts during right ventricular 8 Hz pacing or S1S2 pacing. Results: In spontaneously beating hearts, heptanol at 0.1 and 2 mM significantly reduced the heart rate from 314 ± 25 to 189 ± 24 and 157 ± 7 bpm, respectively (ANOVA, p < 0.05 and p < 0.001). During regular 8 Hz pacing, the mean LATs were increased by 0.1 and 2 mM heptanol from 7.1 ± 2.2 ms to 19.9 ± 5.0 ms (p < 0.05) and 18.4 ± 5.7 ms (p < 0.05). The standard deviation of the mean LATs was increased from 2.5 ± 0.8 ms to 10.3 ± 4.0 ms and 8.0 ± 2.5 ms (p < 0.05), and the median of phase differences was increased from 1.7 ± 1.1 ms to 13.9 ± 7.8 ms and 12.1 ± 5.0 ms by 0.1 and 2 mM heptanol (p < 0.05). P5 took a value of 0.2 ± 0.1 ms and was not significantly altered by heptanol at 0.1 or 2 mM (1.1 ± 0.9 ms and 0.9 ± 0.5 ms, p > 0.05). P50 was increased from 7.3 ± 2.7 ms to 24.0 ± 12.0 ms by 0.1 mM heptanol and then to 22.5 ± 7.5 ms by 2 mM heptanol (p < 0.05). P95 was increased from 1.7 ± 1.1 ms to 13.9 ± 7.8 ms by 0.1 mM heptanol and to 12.1 ± 5.0 ms by 2 mM heptanol (p < 0.05). These changes led to increases in the absolute inhomogeneity in conduction (P5−95) from 7.1 ± 2.6 ms to 31.4 ± 11.3 ms, 2 mM: 21.6 ± 7.2 ms, respectively (p < 0.05). The inhomogeneity index (P5−95/P50) was significantly reduced from 3.7 ± 1.2 to 3.1 ± 0.8 by 0.1 mM and then to 3.3 ± 0.9 by 2 mM heptanol (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Increased activation latencies, reduced CVs, and the increased inhomogeneity index of conduction were associated with both spontaneous and induced ventricular arrhythmias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuming Dong
- Henan SCOPE Research Institute of Electrophysiology Co., Ltd., Kaifeng 475000, China; (X.D.); (G.H.)
| | - Gary Tse
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Unit, Cardiovascular Analytics Group, Hong Kong, China;
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, China
- Kent and Medway Medical School, Canterbury CT2 7FS, UK
| | - Guoliang Hao
- Henan SCOPE Research Institute of Electrophysiology Co., Ltd., Kaifeng 475000, China; (X.D.); (G.H.)
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Yimei Du
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Research Center of Ion Channelopathy, Institute of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Blackwell DJ, Schmeckpeper J, Knollmann BC. Animal Models to Study Cardiac Arrhythmias. Circ Res 2022; 130:1926-1964. [PMID: 35679367 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.320258] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, accounting for 10% to 15% of all deaths. Although most arrhythmias are due to acquired heart disease, inherited channelopathies and cardiomyopathies disproportionately affect children and young adults. Arrhythmogenesis is complex, involving anatomic structure, ion channels and regulatory proteins, and the interplay between cells in the conduction system, cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, and the immune system. Animal models of arrhythmia are powerful tools for studying not only molecular and cellular mechanism of arrhythmogenesis but also more complex mechanisms at the whole heart level, and for testing therapeutic interventions. This review summarizes basic and clinical arrhythmia mechanisms followed by an in-depth review of published animal models of genetic and acquired arrhythmia disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Blackwell
- Vanderbilt Center for Arrhythmia Research and Therapeutics, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Jeffrey Schmeckpeper
- Vanderbilt Center for Arrhythmia Research and Therapeutics, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Bjorn C Knollmann
- Vanderbilt Center for Arrhythmia Research and Therapeutics, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Amuzescu B, Airini R, Epureanu FB, Mann SA, Knott T, Radu BM. Evolution of mathematical models of cardiomyocyte electrophysiology. Math Biosci 2021; 334:108567. [PMID: 33607174 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2021.108567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Advanced computational techniques and mathematical modeling have become more and more important to the study of cardiac electrophysiology. In this review, we provide a brief history of the evolution of cardiomyocyte electrophysiology models and highlight some of the most important ones that had a major impact on our understanding of the electrical activity of the myocardium and associated transmembrane ion fluxes in normal and pathological states. We also present the use of these models in the study of various arrhythmogenesis mechanisms, particularly the integration of experimental pharmacology data into advanced humanized models for in silico proarrhythmogenic risk prediction as an essential component of the Comprehensive in vitro Proarrhythmia Assay (CiPA) drug safety paradigm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bogdan Amuzescu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania; Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences Division, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania.
| | - Razvan Airini
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania; Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences Division, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Florin Bogdan Epureanu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania; Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences Division, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| | - Stefan A Mann
- Cytocentrics Bioscience GmbH, Nattermannallee 1, 50829 Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Knott
- CytoBioScience Inc., 3463 Magic Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania; Life, Environmental and Earth Sciences Division, Research Institute of the University of Bucharest (ICUB), 91-95 Splaiul Independentei, Bucharest 050095, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Saadeh K, Fazmin IT. Mitochondrial Dysfunction Increases Arrhythmic Triggers and Substrates; Potential Anti-arrhythmic Pharmacological Targets. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:646932. [PMID: 33659284 PMCID: PMC7917191 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.646932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Incidence of cardiac arrhythmias increases significantly with age. In order to effectively stratify arrhythmic risk in the aging population it is crucial to elucidate the relevant underlying molecular mechanisms. The changes underlying age-related electrophysiological disruption appear to be closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, the present review examines the mechanisms by which age-related mitochondrial dysfunction promotes arrhythmic triggers and substrate. Namely, via alterations in plasmalemmal ionic currents (both sodium and potassium), gap junctions, cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and cardiac fibrosis. Stratification of patients' mitochondrial function status permits application of appropriate anti-arrhythmic therapies. Here, we discuss novel potential anti-arrhythmic pharmacological interventions that specifically target upstream mitochondrial function and hence ameliorates the need for therapies targeting downstream changes which have constituted traditional antiarrhythmic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Saadeh
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim Talal Fazmin
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom.,Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hall C, Gehmlich K, Denning C, Pavlovic D. Complex Relationship Between Cardiac Fibroblasts and Cardiomyocytes in Health and Disease. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e019338. [PMID: 33586463 PMCID: PMC8174279 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.019338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibroblasts are the primary cell type responsible for deposition of extracellular matrix in the heart, providing support to the contracting myocardium and contributing to a myriad of physiological signaling processes. Despite the importance of fibrosis in processes of wound healing, excessive fibroblast proliferation and activation can lead to pathological remodeling, driving heart failure and the onset of arrhythmias. Our understanding of the mechanisms driving the cardiac fibroblast activation and proliferation is expanding, and evidence for their direct and indirect effects on cardiac myocyte function is accumulating. In this review, we focus on the importance of the fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and the cross talk of cardiac fibroblasts with cardiac myocytes. We also consider the current use of models used to explore these questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Hall
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom
| | - Katja Gehmlich
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine Radcliffe Department of Medicine and British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence Oxford University of Oxford United Kingdom
| | - Chris Denning
- Biodiscovery Institute University of Nottingham United Kingdom
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences University of Birmingham United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia encountered in humans and is a significant source of morbidity and mortality. Despite its prevalence, our mechanistic understanding is incomplete, the therapeutic options have limited efficacy, and are often fraught with risks. A better biological understanding of AF is needed to spearhead novel therapeutic avenues. Although "natural" AF is nearly nonexistent in most species, animal models have contributed significantly to our understanding of AF and some therapeutic options. However, the impediments of animal models are also apparent and stem largely from the differences in basic physiology as well as the complexities underlying human AF; these preclude the creation of a "perfect" animal model and have obviated the translation of animal findings. Herein, we review the vast array of AF models available, spanning the mouse heart (weighing 1/1000th of a human heart) to the horse heart (10× heavier than the human heart). We attempt to highlight the features of each model that bring value to our understanding of AF but also the shortcomings and pitfalls. Finally, we borrowed the concept of a SWOT analysis from the business community (which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) and applied this introspective type of analysis to animal models for AF. We identify unmet needs and stress that is in the context of rapidly advancing technologies, these present opportunities for the future use of animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Schüttler
- From the Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Campus Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Germany (D.S., S.K., P.T., S.C.).,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance (MHA), Germany (D.S., S.K., P.T., S.C.).,Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Germany (D.S., P.T., S.C.)
| | - Aneesh Bapat
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (A.B., K.L., W.J.H.).,Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (A.B., W.J.H.)
| | - Stefan Kääb
- From the Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Campus Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Germany (D.S., S.K., P.T., S.C.).,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance (MHA), Germany (D.S., S.K., P.T., S.C.)
| | - Kichang Lee
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (A.B., K.L., W.J.H.)
| | - Philipp Tomsits
- From the Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Campus Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Germany (D.S., S.K., P.T., S.C.).,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance (MHA), Germany (D.S., S.K., P.T., S.C.).,Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Germany (D.S., P.T., S.C.)
| | - Sebastian Clauss
- From the Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Munich, Campus Großhadern, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Germany (D.S., S.K., P.T., S.C.).,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich, Munich Heart Alliance (MHA), Germany (D.S., S.K., P.T., S.C.).,Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Germany (D.S., P.T., S.C.)
| | - William J Hucker
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston (A.B., K.L., W.J.H.).,Cardiac Arrhythmia Service, Division of Cardiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston (A.B., W.J.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Asfaw TN, Tyan L, Glukhov AV, Bondarenko VE. A compartmentalized mathematical model of mouse atrial myocytes. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H485-H507. [PMID: 31951471 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00460.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Various experimental mouse models are extensively used to research human diseases, including atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac rhythm disorder. Despite this, there are no comprehensive mathematical models that describe the complex behavior of the action potential and [Ca2+]i transients in mouse atrial myocytes. Here, we develop a novel compartmentalized mathematical model of mouse atrial myocytes that combines the action potential, [Ca2+]i dynamics, and β-adrenergic signaling cascade for a subpopulation of right atrial myocytes with developed transverse-axial tubule system. The model consists of three compartments related to β-adrenergic signaling (caveolae, extracaveolae, and cytosol) and employs local control of Ca2+ release. It also simulates ionic mechanisms of action potential generation and describes atrial-specific Ca2+ handling as well as frequency dependences of the action potential and [Ca2+]i transients. The model showed that the T-type Ca2+ current significantly affects the later stage of the action potential, with little effect on [Ca2+]i transients. The block of the small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ current leads to a prolongation of the action potential at high intracellular Ca2+. Simulation results obtained from the atrial model cells were compared with those from ventricular myocytes. The developed model represents a useful tool to study complex electrical properties in the mouse atria and could be applied to enhance the understanding of atrial physiology and arrhythmogenesis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A new compartmentalized mathematical model of mouse right atrial myocytes was developed. The model simulated action potential and Ca2+ dynamics at baseline and after stimulation of the β-adrenergic signaling system. Simulations showed that the T-type Ca2+ current markedly prolonged the later stage of atrial action potential repolarization, with a minor effect on [Ca2+]i transients. The small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ current block resulted in prolongation of the action potential only at the relatively high intracellular Ca2+.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tesfaye Negash Asfaw
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Leonid Tyan
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Alexey V Glukhov
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Vladimir E Bondarenko
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia.,Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lv X, Gao W, Jin C, Wang Y, Chen W, Wang L, Zou S, Sheng S, Chen L, Sun W. Divergently expressed RNA identification and interaction prediction of long non-coding RNA and mRNA involved in Hu sheep hair follicle. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7283. [PMID: 31086232 PMCID: PMC6514014 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43854-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hair follicles are the basis of the formation of Hu sheep pattern. This study was to employ whole transcriptome sequencing to screen differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) between three wave patterns in lambskin. In this study, three groups of 2-day-old Hu sheep were selected from full-sib individuals that included small, medium, and large waves, and hair follicle tissues were collected from dorsal side of Hu sheep. LncRNA and mRNA expression profiles were analyzed by whole transcriptome sequencing technology. 33, 31, and 41 differentially expressed lncRNAs were selected between large and medium, medium and small, and large and small, respectively. 458, 481, and 498 differentially expressed mRNAs were found between large and medium, medium and small, and large and small, respectively, by RNA-seq analysis. qRT-PCR results of 16 randomly selected lncRNAs and mRNAs were similar to the sequencing results. Correlation analysis of lncRNA and mRNA expression showed that, several lncRNAs may be enriched for hair follicle such as Wnt, mTOR, Notch signaling pathways. Our results aid in excavation of mRNAs and lncRNAs in hair follicle, and providing a basis for future study on pattern formation mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Lv
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Wen Gao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Chengyan Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Weihao Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Lihong Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Shuangxia Zou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Shuixing Sheng
- Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Bureau of Suzhou City, Suzhou, 215200, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Ling Chen
- Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine Bureau of Suzhou City, Suzhou, 215200, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Wei Sun
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, P.R. China. .,Joint international research laboratory of agriculture and agri - product safety of Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou, 225009, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Edling CE, Fazmin IT, Chadda KR, Ahmad S, Valli H, Huang CLH, Jeevaratnam K. Atrial Transcriptional Profiles of Molecular Targets Mediating Electrophysiological Function in Aging and Pgc-1β Deficient Murine Hearts. Front Physiol 2019; 10:497. [PMID: 31068841 PMCID: PMC6491872 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficiencies in the transcriptional co-activator, peroxisome proliferative activated receptor, gamma, coactivator-1β are implicated in deficient mitochondrial function. The latter accompanies clinical conditions including aging, physical inactivity, obesity, and diabetes. Recent electrophysiological studies reported that Pgc-1β-/- mice recapitulate clinical age-dependent atrial pro-arrhythmic phenotypes. They implicated impaired chronotropic responses to adrenergic challenge, compromised action potential (AP) generation and conduction despite normal AP recovery timecourses and background resting potentials, altered intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and fibrotic change in the observed arrhythmogenicity. OBJECTIVE We explored the extent to which these age-dependent physiological changes correlated with alterations in gene transcription in murine Pgc-1β-/- atria. METHODS AND RESULTS RNA isolated from murine atrial tissue samples from young (12-16 weeks) and aged (>52 weeks of age), wild type (WT) and Pgc-1β-/- mice were studied by pre-probed quantitative PCR array cards. We examined genes encoding sixty ion channels and other strategic atrial electrophysiological proteins. Pgc-1β-/- genotype independently reduced gene transcription underlying Na+-K+-ATPase, sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+-ATPase, background K+ channel and cholinergic receptor function. Age independently decreased Na+-K+-ATPase and fibrotic markers. Both factors interacted to alter Hcn4 channel activity underlying atrial automaticity. However, neither factor, whether independently or interactively, affected transcription of cardiac Na+, voltage-dependent K+ channels, surface or intracellular Ca2+ channels. Nor were gap junction channels, β-adrenergic receptors or transforming growth factor-β affected. CONCLUSION These findings limit the possible roles of gene transcriptional changes in previously reported age-dependent pro-arrhythmic electrophysiologial changes observed in Pgc-1β-/- atria to an altered Ca2+-ATPase (Atp2a2) expression. This directly parallels previously reported arrhythmic mechanism associated with p21-activated kinase type 1 deficiency. This could add to contributions from the direct physiological outcomes of mitochondrial dysfunction, whether through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production or altered Ca2+ homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E. Edling
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Ibrahim T. Fazmin
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom,Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Karan R. Chadda
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom,Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom,Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom,School of Medicine, Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Selangor, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Kamalan Jeevaratnam,
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ageing in Pgc-1β-/- mice modelling mitochondrial dysfunction induces differential expression of a range of genes regulating ventricular electrophysiology. Biosci Rep 2019; 39:BSR20190127. [PMID: 30914453 PMCID: PMC6470410 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice deficient in mitochondrial promoter peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ co-activator-1β (Pgc-1β−/−) is a valuable model for metabolic diseases and has been found to present with several pathologies including ventricular arrhythmia. In the present study, our aim was to shed light on the molecular mechanisms behind the observed arrhythmic substrate by studying how the expression of selected genes critical for cardiac function differs in wild-type (WT) compared with Pgc-1β knockout mice and young compared with aged mice. We found that a clear majority of genes are down-regulated in the Pgc-1β−/− ventricular tissue compared with the WT. Although most individual genes are not significantly differentially expressed, a pattern is apparent when the genes are grouped according to their functional properties. Genes encoding proteins relating to ATPase activity, potassium ion channels relating to repolarisation and resting membrane potential, and genes encoding proteins in the cAMP pathway are found to be significantly down-regulated in the Pgc-1β deficient mice. On the contrary, the pacemaker channel genes Hcn3 and Hcn4 are up-regulated in subsets of the Pgc-1β deficient tissue. Furthermore, we found that with age, especially in the Pgc-1β−/− genotype, most genes are up-regulated including genes relating to the resting membrane potential, calcium homeostasis, the cAMP pathway, and most of the tested adrenoceptors. In conclusion, we here demonstrate how a complex pattern of many modest changes at gene level may explain major functional differences of the action potential related to ageing and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Collapse
|
20
|
Ahmad S, Valli H, Smyth R, Jiang AY, Jeevaratnam K, Matthews HR, Huang CL. Reduced cardiomyocyte Na + current in the age-dependent murine Pgc-1β -/- model of ventricular arrhythmia. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:3921-3932. [PMID: 30146680 PMCID: PMC6492124 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1 deficient (Pgc-1β-/- ) murine hearts model the increased, age-dependent, ventricular arrhythmic risks attributed to clinical conditions associated with mitochondrial energetic dysfunction. These were accompanied by compromised action potential (AP) upstroke rates and impaired conduction velocities potentially producing arrhythmic substrate. We tested a hypothesis implicating compromised Na+ current in these electrophysiological phenotypes by applying loose patch-clamp techniques in intact young and aged, wild-type (WT) and Pgc-1β-/- , ventricular cardiomyocyte preparations for the first time. This allowed conservation of their in vivo extracellular and intracellular conditions. Depolarising steps elicited typical voltage-dependent activating and inactivating inward Na+ currents with peak amplitudes increasing or decreasing with their respective activating or preceding inactivating voltage steps. Two-way analysis of variance associated Pgc-1β-/- genotype with independent reductions in maximum peak ventricular Na+ currents from -36.63 ± 2.14 (n = 20) and -35.43 ± 1.96 (n = 18; young and aged WT, respectively), to -29.06 ± 1.65 (n = 23) and -27.93 ± 1.63 (n = 20; young and aged Pgc-1β-/- , respectively) pA/μm2 (p < 0.0001), without independent effects of, or interactions with age. Voltages at half-maximal current V*, and steepness factors k in plots of voltage dependences of both Na+ current activation and inactivation, and time constants for its postrepolarisation recovery from inactivation, remained indistinguishable through all experimental groups. So were the activation and rectification properties of delayed outward (K+ ) currents, demonstrated from tail currents reflecting current recoveries from respective varying or constant voltage steps. These current-voltage properties directly implicate decreases specifically in maximum available Na+ current with unchanged voltage dependences and unaltered K+ current properties, in proarrhythmic reductions in AP conduction velocity in Pgc-1β-/- ventricles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Robert Smyth
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Anita Y. Jiang
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Veterinary Pre‐clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUnited Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, PU‐RCSI School of Medicine, Perdana UniversitySerdangMalaysia
| | - Hugh R. Matthews
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Christopher L.‐H. Huang
- Physiological LaboratoryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen J, Guo Y, Chen Q, Cheng X, Xiang G, Chen M, Wu H, Huang Q, Zhu P, Zhang J. TGFβ1 and HGF regulate CTGF expression in human atrial fibroblasts and are involved in atrial remodelling in patients with rheumatic heart disease. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:3032-3039. [PMID: 30697920 PMCID: PMC6433664 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF β1) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in human atrial fibroblasts, and to explore the relationship of these factors in atrial fibrosis and atrial anatomical remodelling (AAR) of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS Fresh right auricular appendix tissue of 20 patients with rheumatic heart disease undergoing valve replacement surgery was collected during surgeries, 10 patients had sinus rhythm(SR), and 10 patients had chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF). Atrial fibroblasts were then cultured from the tissues with differential attachment technique and treated with either TGFβ1 (10 ng/mL) or HGF (100 ng/mL). CTGF mRNA levels were measured by RT-PCR, and CTGF protein content was determined using immunofluorescence and Western blotting assays. RESULTS CAF group had higher left atrial diameters (LADs) and higher CTGF mRNA expression in atrial fibroblasts compared with SR group. The CTGF protein content in CAF group was higher than that of SR group and positively correlated with LAD and AF duration. After CAF group was treated with TGFβ1, CTGF mRNA and protein expression were significantly down-regulated, whereas when treated with HGF, expression was up-regulated compared with SR group. CONCLUSIONS Increased CTGF expression was associated with enlarged LAD, atrial fibrosis and AAR in patients with AF. TGFβ1 and HGF regulate CTGF expression in human atrial fibroblasts with up-regulation of mRNA and down-regulation of protein, therefore, either promote or inhibit atrial fibrosis, which could be related to the incidence and persistence of AF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian‐Quan Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Yan‐Song Guo
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Qian Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Depatement of Critical Care Medicine Division FourFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Xian‐Lu Cheng
- Depatement of CardiologyNanping First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNanpingPR China
| | - Guo‐Jian Xiang
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Mei‐Yan Chen
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Depatement of Anesthesiology Division TwoFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Hong‐Lin Wu
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| | - Qi‐Lei Huang
- Depatement of CardiologyNanping First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical UniversityNanpingPR China
| | - Peng‐Li Zhu
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of Geriatric MedicineFujian Provincial HospitalFujian Provincial Center for GeriatricsFuzhouPR China
| | - Jian‐Cheng Zhang
- Provincial Clinical Medicine College of Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhouPR China
- Department of CardiologyFujian Provincial HospitalFuzhouPR China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hu WS, Ting WJ, Tamilselvi S, Day CH, Wang T, Chiang WD, Viswanadha VP, Yeh YL, Lin WT, Huang CY. Oral administration of alcalase potato protein hydrolysate-APPH attenuates high fat diet-induced cardiac complications via TGF-β/GSN axis in aging rats. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2019; 34:5-12. [PMID: 30240538 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of high fat diet (HFD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors among elderly people. Aging and obesity induced-cardiac remodeling includes hypertrophy and fibrosis. Gelsolin (GSN) induces cardiac hypertrophy and TGF-β, a key cytokine, which induces fibrosis. The relationship between TGF-β and GSN in aging induced cardiac remodeling is still unknown. We evaluated the expressions of TGF-β and GSN in HFD fed 22 months old aging SD rats, followed by the administration of either probucol or alcalase potato protein hydrolysate (APPH). Western blotting and Masson trichrome staining showed that APPH (45 and 75 mg/kg/day) and probucol (500 mg/kg/day) treatments significantly reduced the aging and HFD-induced hypertrophy and fibrosis. Echocardiograph showed that the performance of the hearts was improved in APPH, and probucol treated HFD aging rats. Serum from all rats was collected and H9c2 cells were cultured with collected serums separately. The GSN dependent hypertrophy was inhibited with an exogenous TGF-β in H9c2 cells cultured in HFD+ APPH treated serum. Thus, we propose that along with its role in cardiac fibrosis, TGF-β also acts as an upstream activator of GSN dependent hypertrophy. Hence, TGF-β in serum could be a promising therapeutic target for cardiac remodeling in aging and/or obese subjects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Syun Hu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, China Medical University, Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wei Jen Ting
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shanmugam Tamilselvi
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Ting Wang
- Department of hospitality management, College of Agriculture, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Dee Chiang
- Department of Food science, College of Agriculture, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Yu Lan Yeh
- Department of pathology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Technology, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Wan Teng Lin
- Department of hospitality management, College of Agriculture, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chih Yang Huang
- Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Chinese Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Forrester SJ, Booz GW, Sigmund CD, Coffman TM, Kawai T, Rizzo V, Scalia R, Eguchi S. Angiotensin II Signal Transduction: An Update on Mechanisms of Physiology and Pathophysiology. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1627-1738. [PMID: 29873596 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00038.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 662] [Impact Index Per Article: 110.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plays crucial roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology. However, many of the signaling mechanisms have been unclear. The angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) is believed to mediate most functions of ANG II in the system. AT1R utilizes various signal transduction cascades causing hypertension, cardiovascular remodeling, and end organ damage. Moreover, functional cross-talk between AT1R signaling pathways and other signaling pathways have been recognized. Accumulating evidence reveals the complexity of ANG II signal transduction in pathophysiology of the vasculature, heart, kidney, and brain, as well as several pathophysiological features, including inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and aging. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update of the ANG II receptor signaling events and their functional significances for potential translation into therapeutic strategies. AT1R remains central to the system in mediating physiological and pathophysiological functions of ANG II, and participation of specific signaling pathways becomes much clearer. There are still certain limitations and many controversies, and several noteworthy new concepts require further support. However, it is expected that rigorous translational research of the ANG II signaling pathways including those in large animals and humans will contribute to establishing effective new therapies against various diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Forrester
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi ; Department of Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension Research, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa ; and Duke-NUS, Singapore and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| | - George W Booz
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi ; Department of Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension Research, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa ; and Duke-NUS, Singapore and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Curt D Sigmund
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi ; Department of Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension Research, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa ; and Duke-NUS, Singapore and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Thomas M Coffman
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi ; Department of Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension Research, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa ; and Duke-NUS, Singapore and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tatsuo Kawai
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi ; Department of Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension Research, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa ; and Duke-NUS, Singapore and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Victor Rizzo
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi ; Department of Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension Research, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa ; and Duke-NUS, Singapore and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rosario Scalia
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi ; Department of Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension Research, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa ; and Duke-NUS, Singapore and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| | - Satoru Eguchi
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center , Jackson, Mississippi ; Department of Pharmacology, Center for Hypertension Research, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa , Iowa City, Iowa ; and Duke-NUS, Singapore and Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center , Durham, North Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Marchena M, Echebarria B. Computational Model of Calcium Signaling in Cardiac Atrial Cells at the Submicron Scale. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1760. [PMID: 30618786 PMCID: PMC6295473 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In cardiac cells, calcium is the mediator of excitation-contraction coupling. Dysfunctions in calcium handling have been identified as the origin of some cardiac arrhythmias. In the particular case of atrial myocytes, recent available experimental data has found links between these dysfunctions and structural changes in the calcium handling machinery (ryanodine cluster size and distribution, t-tubular network, etc). To address this issue, we have developed a computational model of an atrial myocyte that takes into account the detailed intracellular structure. The homogenized macroscopic behavior is described with a two-concentration field model, using effective diffusion coefficients of calcium in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and in the cytoplasm. The model reproduces the right calcium transients and dependence with pacing frequency. Under basal conditions, the calcium rise is mostly restricted to the periphery of the cell, with a large concentration ratio between the periphery and the interior. We have then studied the dependence of the speed of the calcium wave on cytosolic and SR diffusion coefficients, finding an almost linear relation with the former, in agreement with a diffusive and fire mechanism of propagation, and little dependence on the latter. Finally, we have studied the effect of a change in RyR cluster microstructure. We find that, under resting conditions, the spark frequency decreases slightly with RyR cluster spatial dispersion, but markedly increases when the RyRs are distributed in clusters of larger size, stressing the importance of RyR cluster organization to understand atrial arrhythmias, as recent experimental results suggest (Macquaide et al., 2015).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Marchena
- Departament de Física, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Blas Echebarria
- Departament de Física, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chadda KR, Edling CE, Valli H, Ahmad S, Huang CLH, Jeevaratnam K. Gene and Protein Expression Profile of Selected Molecular Targets Mediating Electrophysiological Function in Pgc-1α Deficient Murine Atria. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113450. [PMID: 30400228 PMCID: PMC6274828 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Increases in the prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome has led to the increase of atrial fibrillation (AF) cases in the developed world. These AF risk factors are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, previously modelled using peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) coactivator-1 (Pgc-1)-deficient murine cardiac models. We explored gene and protein expression profiles of selected molecular targets related to electrophysiological function in murine Pgc-1α−/− atria. qPCR analysis surveyed genes related to Na+-K+-ATPase, K+ conductance, hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (Hcn), Na+ channels, Ca2+ channels, and indicators for adrenergic and cholinergic receptor modulation. Western blot analysis for molecular targets specific to conduction velocity (Nav1.5 channel and gap junctions) was performed. Transcription profiles revealed downregulation of molecules related to Na+-K+-ATPase transport, Hcn-dependent pacemaker function, Na+ channel-dependent action potential activation and propagation, Ca2+ current generation, calsequestrin-2 dependent Ca2+ homeostasis, and adrenergic α1D dependent protection from hypertrophic change. Nav1.5 channel protein expression but not gap junction expression was reduced in Pgc-1α−/− atria compared to WT. Nav1.5 reduction reflects corresponding reduction in its gene expression profile. These changes, as well as the underlying Pgc-1α−/− alteration, suggest potential pharmacological targets directed towards either upstream PGC-1 signalling mechanisms or downstream ion channel changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karan R Chadda
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK.
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Charlotte E Edling
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK.
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, Hopkins Building, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QW, UK.
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7AL, UK.
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK.
- School of Medicine, Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Serdang 43400, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Ahmad S, Valli H, Chadda KR, Cranley J, Jeevaratnam K, Huang CLH. Ventricular pro-arrhythmic phenotype, arrhythmic substrate, ageing and mitochondrial dysfunction in peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ coactivator-1β deficient (Pgc-1β -/-) murine hearts. Mech Ageing Dev 2018; 173:92-103. [PMID: 29763629 PMCID: PMC6004599 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ageing and age-related bioenergetic conditions including obesity, diabetes mellitus and heart failure constitute clinical ventricular arrhythmic risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pro-arrhythmic properties in electrocardiographic and intracellular recordings were compared in young and aged, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1β knockout (Pgc-1β-/-) and wild type (WT), Langendorff-perfused murine hearts, during regular and programmed stimulation (PES), comparing results by two-way ANOVA. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Young and aged Pgc-1β-/- showed higher frequencies and durations of arrhythmic episodes through wider PES coupling-interval ranges than WT. Both young and old, regularly-paced, Pgc-1β-/- hearts showed slowed maximum action potential (AP) upstrokes, (dV/dt)max (∼157 vs. 120-130 V s-1), prolonged AP latencies (by ∼20%) and shortened refractory periods (∼58 vs. 51 ms) but similar AP durations (∼50 ms at 90% recovery) compared to WT. However, Pgc-1β-/- genotype and age each influenced extrasystolic AP latencies during PES. Young and aged WT ventricles displayed distinct, but Pgc-1β-/- ventricles displayed similar dependences of AP latency upon (dV/dt)max resembling aged WT. They also independently increased myocardial fibrosis. AP wavelengths combining activation and recovery terms paralleled contrasting arrhythmic incidences in Pgc-1β-/- and WT hearts. Mitochondrial dysfunction thus causes pro-arrhythmic Pgc-1β-/- phenotypes by altering AP conduction through reducing (dV/dt)max and causing age-dependent fibrotic change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Karan R Chadda
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, GU2 7AL, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - James Cranley
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, GU2 7AL, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom; PU-RCSI School of Medicine, Perdana University, 43400, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EG, United Kingdom; Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QW, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Johnson RD, Camelliti P. Role of Non-Myocyte Gap Junctions and Connexin Hemichannels in Cardiovascular Health and Disease: Novel Therapeutic Targets? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030866. [PMID: 29543751 PMCID: PMC5877727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart is a complex organ composed of multiple cell types, including cardiomyocytes and different non-myocyte populations, all working closely together to determine the hearts properties and maintain normal cardiac function. Connexins are abundantly expressed proteins that form plasma membrane hemichannels and gap junctions between cells. Gap junctions are intracellular channels that allow for communication between cells, and in the heart they play a crucial role in cardiac conduction by coupling adjacent cardiomyocytes. Connexins are expressed in both cardiomyocytes and non-myocytes, including cardiac fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Non-myocytes are the largest population of cells in the heart, and therefore it is important to consider what roles connexins, hemichannels, and gap junctions play in these cell types. The aim of this review is to provide insight into connexin-based signalling in non-myocytes during health and disease, and highlight how targeting these proteins could lead to the development of novel therapies. We conclude that connexins in non-myocytes contribute to arrhythmias and adverse ventricular remodelling following myocardial infarction, and are associated with the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, therapeutic interventions targeting these connexins represent an exciting new research avenue with great potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Johnson
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Patrizia Camelliti
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hilgers RHP, Kundumani-Sridharan V, Subramani J, Chen LC, Cuello LG, Rusch NJ, Das KC. Thioredoxin reverses age-related hypertension by chronically improving vascular redox and restoring eNOS function. Sci Transl Med 2017; 9:9/376/eaaf6094. [PMID: 28179506 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaf6094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of high blood pressure with advancing age is notably high, and it is an independent prognostic factor for the onset or progression of a variety of cardiovascular disorders. Although age-related hypertension is an established phenomenon, current treatments are only palliative but not curative. Thus, there is a critical need for a curative therapy against age-related hypertension, which could greatly decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disorders. We show that overexpression of human thioredoxin (TRX), a redox protein, in mice prevents age-related hypertension. Further, injection of recombinant human TRX (rhTRX) for three consecutive days reversed hypertension in aged wild-type mice, and this effect lasted for at least 20 days. Arteries of wild-type mice injected with rhTRX or mice with TRX overexpression exhibited decreased arterial stiffness, greater endothelium-dependent relaxation, increased nitric oxide production, and decreased superoxide anion (O2•-) generation compared to either saline-injected aged wild-type mice or mice with TRX deficiency. Our study demonstrates a potential translational role of rhTRX in reversing age-related hypertension with long-lasting efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rob H P Hilgers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, MS 6598, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Venkatesh Kundumani-Sridharan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, MS 6598, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Jaganathan Subramani
- Department of Anesthesiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, MS 6598, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Leon C Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, MS 6598, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Luis G Cuello
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Nancy J Rusch
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Kumuda C Das
- Department of Anesthesiology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, MS 6598, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ahmad S, Valli H, Salvage SC, Grace AA, Jeevaratnam K, Huang CLH. Age-dependent electrocardiographic changes in Pgc-1β deficient murine hearts. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2017; 45:174-186. [PMID: 28949414 PMCID: PMC5814877 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence implicates chronic energetic dysfunction in human cardiac arrhythmias. Mitochondrial impairment through Pgc-1β knockout is known to produce a murine arrhythmic phenotype. However, the cumulative effect of this with advancing age and its electrocardiographic basis have not been previously studied. Young (12-16 weeks) and aged (>52 weeks), wild type (WT) (n = 5 and 8) and Pgc-1β-/- (n = 9 and 6), mice were anaesthetised and used for electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings. Time intervals separating successive ECG deflections were analysed for differences between groups before and after β1-adrenergic (intraperitoneal dobutamine 3 mg/kg) challenge. Heart rates before dobutamine challenge were indistinguishable between groups. The Pgc-1β-/- genotype however displayed compromised nodal function in response to adrenergic challenge. This manifested as an impaired heart rate response suggesting a functional defect at the level of the sino-atrial node, and a negative dromotropic response suggesting an atrioventricular conduction defect. Incidences of the latter were most pronounced in the aged Pgc-1β-/- mice. Moreover, Pgc-1β-/- mice displayed electrocardiographic features consistent with the existence of a pro-arrhythmic substrate. Firstly, ventricular activation was prolonged in these mice consistent with slowed action potential conduction and is reported here for the first time. Additionally, Pgc-1β-/- mice had shorter repolarisation intervals. These were likely attributable to altered K+ conductance properties, ultimately resulting in a shortened QTc interval, which is also known to be associated with increased arrhythmic risk. ECG analysis thus yielded electrophysiological findings bearing on potential arrhythmogenicity in intact Pgc-1β-/- systems in widespread cardiac regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha C Salvage
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew A Grace
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom.,PU-RCSI School of Medicine, Perdana University, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jeevaratnam K, Chadda KR, Salvage SC, Valli H, Ahmad S, Grace AA, Huang CLH. Ion channels, long QT syndrome and arrhythmogenesis in ageing. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2017; 44 Suppl 1:38-45. [PMID: 28024120 PMCID: PMC5763326 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.12721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Ageing is associated with increased prevalences of both atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, reflecting disruption of the normal sequence of ion channel activation and inactivation generating the propagated cardiac action potential. Experimental models with specific ion channel genetic modifications have helped clarify the interacting functional roles of ion channels and how their dysregulation contributes to arrhythmogenic processes at the cellular and systems level. They have also investigated interactions between these ion channel abnormalities and age-related processes in producing arrhythmic tendency. Previous reviews have explored the relationships between age and loss-of-function Nav 1.5 mutations in producing arrhythmogenicity. The present review now explores complementary relationships arising from gain-of-function Nav 1.5 mutations associated with long QT3 (LQTS3). LQTS3 patients show increased risks of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, particularly after 40 years of age, consistent with such interactions between the ion channel abnormailities and ageing. In turn clinical evidence suggests that ageing is accompanied by structural, particularly fibrotic, as well as electrophysiological change. These abnormalities may result from biochemical changes producing low-grade inflammation resulting from increased production of reactive oxygen species and superoxide. Experimental studies offer further insights into the underlying mechanisms underlying these phenotypes. Thus, studies in genetically modified murine models for LQTS implicated action potential recovery processes in arrhythmogenesis resulting from functional ion channel abnormalities. In addition, ageing wild type (WT) murine models demonstrated both ion channel alterations and fibrotic changes with ageing. Murine models then suggested evidence for interactions between ageing and ion channel mutations and provided insights into potential arrhythmic mechanisms inviting future exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamalan Jeevaratnam
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,School of Medicine, Perdana University-Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, Serdang, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Karan R Chadda
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Haseeb Valli
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shiraz Ahmad
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew A Grace
- Division of Cardiovascular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Division of Cardiovascular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
The effects of ageing and adrenergic challenge on electrocardiographic phenotypes in a murine model of long QT syndrome type 3. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11070. [PMID: 28894151 PMCID: PMC5593918 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11210-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Long QT Syndrome 3 (LQTS3) arises from gain-of-function Nav1.5 mutations, prolonging action potential repolarisation and electrocardiographic (ECG) QT interval, associated with increased age-dependent risk for major arrhythmic events, and paradoxical responses to β-adrenergic agents. We investigated for independent and interacting effects of age and Scn5a+/ΔKPQ genotype in anaesthetised mice modelling LQTS3 on ECG phenotypes before and following β-agonist challenge, and upon fibrotic change. Prolonged ventricular recovery was independently associated with Scn5a+/ΔKPQ and age. Ventricular activation was prolonged in old Scn5a+/ΔKPQ mice (p = 0.03). We associated Scn5a+/ΔKPQ with increased atrial and ventricular fibrosis (both: p < 0.001). Ventricles also showed increased fibrosis with age (p < 0.001). Age and Scn5a+/ΔKPQ interacted in increasing incidences of repolarisation alternans (p = 0.02). Dobutamine increased ventricular rate (p < 0.001) and reduced both atrioventricular conduction (PR segment-p = 0.02; PR interval-p = 0.02) and incidences of repolarisation alternans (p < 0.001) in all mice. However, in Scn5a+/ΔKPQ mice, dobutamine delayed the changes in ventricular repolarisation following corresponding increases in ventricular rate. The present findings implicate interactions between age and Scn5a+/ΔKPQ in prolonging ventricular activation, correlating them with fibrotic change for the first time, adding activation abnormalities to established recovery abnormalities in LQTS3. These findings, together with dynamic electrophysiological responses to β-adrenergic challenge, have therapeutic implications for ageing LQTS patients.
Collapse
|
32
|
Improving Atrial Fibrillation Therapy: Is There a Gene for That? J Am Coll Cardiol 2017; 69:2088-2095. [PMID: 28427583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2017.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an all-too-common and often challenging reality of clinical care. AF leads to significant morbidity and mortality; however, currently available treatments for AF have modest efficacy and high recurrence rates. In recent years, genetic therapy approaches have been explored in preclinical models of AF, and offer potential as a treatment modality with targeted delivery, tissue specificity, and therapy tailored to address mechanisms underlying the arrhythmia. However, many challenges remain before gene therapy can advance to a clinically relevant AF treatment. In this review, we summarize the available published data on gene therapy and discuss the challenges, opportunities, and limitations of this approach.
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang Y, Wang S, Lei M, Boyett M, Tsui H, Liu W, Wang X. The p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) signalling pathway in cardiac disease: from mechanistic study to therapeutic exploration. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:1362-1374. [PMID: 28574147 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) is a member of the highly conserved family of serine/threonine protein kinases regulated by Ras-related small G-proteins, Cdc42/Rac1. It has been previously demonstrated to be involved in cardiac protection. Based on recent studies, this review provides an overview of the role of Pak1 in cardiac diseases including disrupted Ca2+ homoeostasis-related cardiac arrhythmias, adrenergic stress- and pressure overload-induced hypertrophy, and ischaemia/reperfusion injury. These findings demonstrate the important role of Pak1 mediated through the phosphorylation and transcriptional modification of hypertrophy and/or arrhythmia-related genes. This review also discusses the anti-arrhythmic and anti-hypertrophic, protective function of Pak1 and the beneficial effects of fingolimod (an FDA-approved sphingolipid drug), a Pak1 activator, and its ability to prevent arrhythmias and cardiac hypertrophy. These findings also highlight the therapeutic potential of Pak1 signalling in the treatment and prevention of cardiac diseases. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Wang
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Shunyao Wang
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ming Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mark Boyett
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Hoyee Tsui
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Wei Liu
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Xin Wang
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Huang Z, Chen XJ, Qian C, Dong Q, Ding D, Wu QF, Li J, Wang HF, Li WH, Xie Q, Cheng X, Zhao N, Du YM, Liao YH. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3/MicroRNA-21 Feedback Loop Contributes to Atrial Fibrillation by Promoting Atrial Fibrosis in a Rat Sterile Pericarditis Model. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2017; 9:CIRCEP.115.003396. [PMID: 27406600 PMCID: PMC4956678 DOI: 10.1161/circep.115.003396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background— Postoperative atrial fibrillation is a frequent complication in cardiac surgery. The aberrant activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) contributes to the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation. MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) promotes atrial fibrosis. Recent studies support the existence of reciprocal regulation between STAT3 and miR-21. Here, we test the hypothesis that these 2 molecules might form a feedback loop that contributes to postoperative atrial fibrillation by promoting atrial fibrosis. Methods and Results— A sterile pericarditis model was created using atrial surfaces dusted with sterile talcum powder in rats. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, transforming growth factor-β, and tumor necrosis factor-α, along with STAT3 and miR-21, were highly upregulated in sterile pericarditis rats. The inhibition of STAT3 by S3I-201 resulted in miR-21 downregulation, which ameliorated atrial fibrosis and decreased the expression of the fibrosis-related genes, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen-1, and collagen-3; reduced the inhomogeneity of atrial conduction; and attenuated atrial fibrillation vulnerability. Meanwhile, treatment with antagomir-21 decreased STAT3 phosphorylation, alleviated atrial remodeling, abrogated sterile pericarditis–induced inhomogeneous conduction, and prevented atrial fibrillation promotion. The culturing of cardiac fibroblasts with IL-6 resulted in progressively augmented STAT3 phosphorylation and miR-21 levels. S3I-201 blocked IL-6 induced the expression of miR-21 and fibrosis-related genes in addition to cardiac fibroblast proliferation. Transfected antagomir-21 decreased the IL-6–induced cardiac fibroblast activation and STAT3 phosphorylation. The overexpression of miR-21 in cardiac fibroblasts caused the upregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation, enhanced fibrosis-related genes, and increased cell numbers. Conclusions— Our results have uncovered a novel reciprocal loop between STAT3 and miR-21 that is activated after heart surgery and can contribute to atrial fibrillation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cheng Qian
- For the author affilations, please see the Appendix
| | - Qian Dong
- For the author affilations, please see the Appendix
| | - Dan Ding
- For the author affilations, please see the Appendix
| | | | - Jing Li
- For the author affilations, please see the Appendix
| | | | - Wei-Hua Li
- For the author affilations, please see the Appendix
| | - Qiang Xie
- For the author affilations, please see the Appendix
| | - Xiang Cheng
- For the author affilations, please see the Appendix
| | - Ning Zhao
- For the author affilations, please see the Appendix.
| | - Yi-Mei Du
- For the author affilations, please see the Appendix.
| | - Yu-Hua Liao
- For the author affilations, please see the Appendix
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Thanigaimani S, Lau DH, Agbaedeng T, Elliott AD, Mahajan R, Sanders P. Molecular mechanisms of atrial fibrosis: implications for the clinic. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2017; 15:247-256. [DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2017.1299005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shivshankar Thanigaimani
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dennis H Lau
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Thomas Agbaedeng
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Adrian D. Elliott
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rajiv Mahajan
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Prashanthan Sanders
- Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Adelaide and Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias can follow disruption of the normal cellular electrophysiological processes underlying excitable activity and their tissue propagation as coherent wavefronts from the primary sinoatrial node pacemaker, through the atria, conducting structures and ventricular myocardium. These physiological events are driven by interacting, voltage-dependent, processes of activation, inactivation, and recovery in the ion channels present in cardiomyocyte membranes. Generation and conduction of these events are further modulated by intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, and metabolic and structural change. This review describes experimental studies on murine models for known clinical arrhythmic conditions in which these mechanisms were modified by genetic, physiological, or pharmacological manipulation. These exemplars yielded molecular, physiological, and structural phenotypes often directly translatable to their corresponding clinical conditions, which could be investigated at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and whole animal levels. Arrhythmogenesis could be explored during normal pacing activity, regular stimulation, following imposed extra-stimuli, or during progressively incremented steady pacing frequencies. Arrhythmic substrate was identified with temporal and spatial functional heterogeneities predisposing to reentrant excitation phenomena. These could arise from abnormalities in cardiac pacing function, tissue electrical connectivity, and cellular excitation and recovery. Triggering events during or following recovery from action potential excitation could thereby lead to sustained arrhythmia. These surface membrane processes were modified by alterations in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis and energetics, as well as cellular and tissue structural change. Study of murine systems thus offers major insights into both our understanding of normal cardiac activity and its propagation, and their relationship to mechanisms generating clinical arrhythmias.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory and the Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Huang CLH, Solaro RJ, Ke Y, Lei M. Editorial: Ca(2+) Signaling and Heart Rhythm. Front Physiol 2016; 6:423. [PMID: 26793124 PMCID: PMC4707627 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L-H Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
| | - R John Solaro
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, USA
| | - Yunbo Ke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, USA
| | - Ming Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Heijman J, Erfanian Abdoust P, Voigt N, Nattel S, Dobrev D. Computational models of atrial cellular electrophysiology and calcium handling, and their role in atrial fibrillation. J Physiol 2015; 594:537-53. [PMID: 26582329 DOI: 10.1113/jp271404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the heart makes an intuitive understanding of the relative contribution of ion channels, transporters and signalling pathways to cardiac electrophysiology challenging. Computational modelling of cardiac cellular electrophysiology has proven useful to integrate experimental findings, extrapolate results obtained in expression systems or animal models to other systems, test quantitatively ideas based on experimental data and provide novel hypotheses that are experimentally testable. While the bulk of computational modelling has traditionally been directed towards ventricular bioelectricity, increasing recognition of the clinical importance of atrial arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, has led to widespread efforts to apply computational approaches to understanding atrial electrical function. The increasing availability of detailed, atrial-specific experimental data has stimulated the development of novel computational models of atrial-cellular electrophysiology and Ca(2+) handling. To date, more than 300 studies have employed mathematical simulations to enhance our understanding of atrial electrophysiology, arrhythmogenesis and therapeutic responses. Future modelling studies are likely to move beyond current whole-cell models by incorporating new data on subcellular architecture, macromolecular protein complexes, and localized ion-channel regulation by signalling pathways. At the same time, more integrative multicellular models that take into account regional electrophysiological and Ca(2+) handling properties, mechano-electrical feedback and/or autonomic regulation will be needed to investigate the mechanisms governing atrial arrhythmias. A combined experimental and computational approach is expected to provide the more comprehensive understanding of atrial arrhythmogenesis that is required to develop improved diagnostic and therapeutic options. Here, we review this rapidly expanding area, with a particular focus on Ca(2+) handling, and provide ideas about potential future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Heijman
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Pegah Erfanian Abdoust
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Niels Voigt
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stanley Nattel
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Medicine, Montreal Heart Institute and Université de Montréal, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Ferrari R, Bertini M, Blomstrom-Lundqvist C, Dobrev D, Kirchhof P, Pappone C, Ravens U, Tamargo J, Tavazzi L, Vicedomini GG. An update on atrial fibrillation in 2014: From pathophysiology to treatment. Int J Cardiol 2015; 203:22-9. [PMID: 26490502 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.10.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most frequently encountered cardiac arrhythmia. The trigger for initiation of AF is generally an enhanced vulnerability of pulmonary vein cardiomyocyte sleeves to either focal or re-entrant activity. The maintenance of AF is based on a "driver" mechanism in a vulnerable substrate. Cardiac mapping technology is providing further insight into these extremely dynamic processes. AF can lead to electrophysiological and structural remodelling, thereby promoting the condition. The management includes prevention of stroke by oral anticoagulation or left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion, upstream therapy of concomitant conditions, and symptomatic improvement using rate control and/or rhythm control. Nonpharmacological strategies include electrical cardioversion and catheter ablation. There are substantial geographical variations in the management of AF, though European data indicate that 80% of patients receive adequate anticoagulation and 79% adequate rate control. High rates of morbidity and mortality weigh against perceived difficulties in management. Clinical research and growing experience are helping refine clinical indications and provide better technical approaches. Active research in cardiac electrophysiology is producing new antiarrhythmic agents that are reaching the experimental clinical arena, inhibiting novel ion channels. Future research should give better understanding of the underlying aetiology of AF and identification of drug targets, to help the move toward patient-specific therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Ferrari
- Department of Cardiology, LTTA Centre, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S. Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy.
| | - M Bertini
- Department of Cardiology, LTTA Centre, University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - D Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - P Kirchhof
- University of Birmingham, Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, Birmingham, UK; Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University of Münster, Germany
| | - C Pappone
- Policlinico San Donato, Department of Arrhythmology, University of Milan, Italy
| | - U Ravens
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - J Tamargo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Tavazzi
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S. Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
| | - G G Vicedomini
- Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S. Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hirsh BJ, Copeland-Halperin RS, Halperin JL. Fibrotic atrial cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and thromboembolism: mechanistic links and clinical inferences. J Am Coll Cardiol 2015; 65:2239-51. [PMID: 25998669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2015.03.557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The association of atrial fibrillation (AF) with ischemic stroke has long been recognized; yet, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying this relationship are incompletely understood. Clinical schemas, such as the CHA2DS2-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥ 75 years, diabetes mellitus, stroke/transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65 to 74 years, sex category) score, incompletely account for thromboembolic risk, and emerging evidence suggests that stroke can occur in patients with AF even after sinus rhythm is restored. Atrial fibrosis correlates with both the persistence and burden of AF, and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is gaining utility for detection and quantification of the fibrotic substrate, but methodological challenges limit its use. Factors related to evolution of the thrombogenic fibrotic atrial cardiomyopathy support the view that AF is a marker of stroke risk regardless of whether or not the arrhythmia is sustained. Antithrombotic therapy should be guided by a comprehensive assessment of intrinsic risk rather than the presence or absence of AF at a given time.
Collapse
|
41
|
|
42
|
Ju YK, Lee BH, Trajanovska S, Hao G, Allen DG, Lei M, Cannell MB. The involvement of TRPC3 channels in sinoatrial arrhythmias. Front Physiol 2015; 6:86. [PMID: 25859221 PMCID: PMC4373262 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The currently available treatments are limited and AF continues to be a major clinical challenge. Clinical studies have shown that AF is frequently associated with dysfunction in the sino-atrial node (SAN). The association between AF and SAN dysfunction is probably related to the communication between the SAN and the surrounding atrial cells that form the SAN-atrial pacemaker complex and/or pathological processes that affect both the SAN and atrial simultaneously. Recent evidence suggests that Ca2+ entry through TRPC3 (Transient Receptor Potential Canonical-3) channels may underlie several pathophysiological conditions -including cardiac arrhythmias. However, it is still not known if atrial and sinoatrial node cells are also involved. In this article we will first briefly review TRPC3 and IP3R signaling that relate to store/receptor-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE/ROCE) mechanisms and cardiac arrhythmias. We will then present some of our recent research progress in this field. Our experiments results suggest that pacing-induced AF in angiotensin II (Ang II) treated mice are significantly reduced in mice lacking the TRPC3 gene (TRPC3−/− mice) compared to wild type controls. We also show that pacemaker cells express TRPC3 and several other molecular components related to SOCE/ROCE signaling, including STIM1 and IP3R. Activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) signaling that is able to modulate SOCE/ROCE and Ang II induced Ca2+ homeostasis changes in sinoatrial complex being linked to TRPC3. The results provide new evidence that TRPC3 may play a role in sinoatrial and atrial arrhythmias that are caused by GPCRs activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Kun Ju
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Bon Hyang Lee
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sofie Trajanovska
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gouliang Hao
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - David G Allen
- Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Bosch Institute, University of Sydney Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ming Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - Mark B Cannell
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|