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Abu Nahia K, Sulej A, Migdał M, Ochocka N, Ho R, Kamińska B, Zagorski M, Winata CL. scRNA-seq reveals the diversity of the developing cardiac cell lineage and molecular players in heart rhythm regulation. iScience 2024; 27:110083. [PMID: 38872974 PMCID: PMC11170199 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We utilized scRNA-seq to delineate the diversity of cell types in the zebrafish heart. Transcriptome profiling of over 50,000 cells at 48 and 72 hpf defined at least 18 discrete cell lineages of the developing heart. Utilizing well-established gene signatures, we identified a population of cells likely to be the primary pacemaker and characterized the transcriptome profile defining this critical cell type. Two previously uncharacterized genes, atp1b3b and colec10, were found to be enriched in the sinoatrial cardiomyocytes. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of these two genes significantly reduced heart rate, implicating their role in cardiac development and conduction. Additionally, we describe other cardiac cell lineages, including the endothelial and neural cells, providing their expression profiles as a resource. Our results established a detailed atlas of the developing heart, providing valuable insights into cellular and molecular mechanisms, and pinpointed potential new players in heart rhythm regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Abu Nahia
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Sulej
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Migdał
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Ochocka
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Richard Ho
- Institute of Theoretical Physics and Mark Kac Center for Complex Systems Research, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
- The Njord Centre, Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bożena Kamińska
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Zagorski
- Institute of Theoretical Physics and Mark Kac Center for Complex Systems Research, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
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2
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Salgado-Almario J, Molina Y, Vicente M, Martínez-Sielva A, Rodríguez-García R, Vincent P, Domingo B, Llopis J. ERG potassium channels and T-type calcium channels contribute to the pacemaker and atrioventricular conduction in zebrafish larvae. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14075. [PMID: 38071417 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
AIM Bradyarrhythmias result from inhibition of automaticity, prolonged repolarization, or slow conduction in the heart. The ERG channels mediate the repolarizing current IKr in the cardiac action potential, whereas T-type calcium channels (TTCC) are involved in the sinoatrial pacemaker and atrioventricular conduction in mammals. Zebrafish have become a valuable research model for human cardiac electrophysiology and disease. Here, we investigate the contribution of ERG channels and TTCCs to the pacemaker and atrioventricular conduction in zebrafish larvae and determine the mechanisms causing atrioventricular block. METHODS Zebrafish larvae expressing ratiometric fluorescent Ca2+ biosensors in the heart were used to measure Ca2+ levels and rhythm in beating hearts in vivo, concurrently with contraction and hemodynamics. The atrioventricular delay (the time between the start of atrial and ventricular Ca2+ transients) was used to measure impulse conduction velocity and distinguished between slow conduction and prolonged refractoriness as the cause of the conduction block. RESULTS ERG blockers caused bradycardia and atrioventricular block by prolonging the refractory period in the atrioventricular canal and in working ventricular myocytes. In contrast, inhibition of TTCCs caused bradycardia and second-degree block (Mobitz type I) by slowing atrioventricular conduction. TTCC block did not affect ventricular contractility, despite being highly expressed in cardiomyocytes. Concomitant measurement of Ca2+ levels and ventricular size showed mechano-mechanical coupling: increased preload resulted in a stronger heart contraction in vivo. CONCLUSION ERG channels and TTCCs influence the heart rate and atrioventricular conduction in zebrafish larvae. The zebrafish lines expressing Ca2+ biosensors in the heart allow us to investigate physiological feedback mechanisms and complex arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussep Salgado-Almario
- Physiology and Cell Dynamics, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Yillcer Molina
- Physiology and Cell Dynamics, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Manuel Vicente
- Physiology and Cell Dynamics, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Antonio Martínez-Sielva
- Physiology and Cell Dynamics, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Raúl Rodríguez-García
- Physiology and Cell Dynamics, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Pierre Vincent
- IGF, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Beatriz Domingo
- Physiology and Cell Dynamics, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | - Juan Llopis
- Physiology and Cell Dynamics, Facultad de Medicina de Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
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3
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Henley T, Goudy J, Easterling M, Donley C, Wirka R, Bressan M. Local tissue mechanics control cardiac pacemaker cell embryonic patterning. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201799. [PMID: 36973005 PMCID: PMC10043993 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac pacemaker cells (CPCs) initiate the electric impulses that drive the rhythmic beating of the heart. CPCs reside in a heterogeneous, ECM-rich microenvironment termed the sinoatrial node (SAN). Surprisingly, little is known regarding the biochemical composition or mechanical properties of the SAN, and how the unique structural characteristics present in this region of the heart influence CPC function remains poorly understood. Here, we have identified that SAN development involves the construction of a "soft" macromolecular ECM that specifically encapsulates CPCs. In addition, we demonstrate that subjecting embryonic CPCs to substrate stiffnesses higher than those measured in vivo results in loss of coherent electrical oscillation and dysregulation of the HCN4 and NCX1 ion channels required for CPC automaticity. Collectively, these data indicate that local mechanics play a critical role in maintaining the embryonic CPC function while also quantitatively defining the range of material properties that are optimal for embryonic CPC maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Henley
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Julie Goudy
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marietta Easterling
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carrie Donley
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Robert Wirka
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael Bressan
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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4
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Coppola A, Lombari P, Mazzella E, Capolongo G, Simeoni M, Perna AF, Ingrosso D, Borriello M. Zebrafish as a Model of Cardiac Pathology and Toxicity: Spotlight on Uremic Toxins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065656. [PMID: 36982730 PMCID: PMC10052014 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an increasing health care problem. About 10% of the general population is affected by CKD, representing the sixth cause of death in the world. Cardiovascular events are the main mortality cause in CKD, with a cardiovascular risk 10 times higher in these patients than the rate observed in healthy subjects. The gradual decline of the kidney leads to the accumulation of uremic solutes with a negative effect on every organ, especially on the cardiovascular system. Mammalian models, sharing structural and functional similarities with humans, have been widely used to study cardiovascular disease mechanisms and test new therapies, but many of them are rather expensive and difficult to manipulate. Over the last few decades, zebrafish has become a powerful non-mammalian model to study alterations associated with human disease. The high conservation of gene function, low cost, small size, rapid growth, and easiness of genetic manipulation are just some of the features of this experimental model. More specifically, embryonic cardiac development and physiological responses to exposure to numerous toxin substances are similar to those observed in mammals, making zebrafish an ideal model to study cardiac development, toxicity, and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapaola Coppola
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia Lombari
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Elvira Mazzella
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Capolongo
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariadelina Simeoni
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra F. Perna
- Department of Translational Medical Science, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Diego Ingrosso
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Borriello
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Zhang X, Zhao Y, Zhou Y, Lv J, Peng J, Zhu H, Liu R. Trends in research on sick sinus syndrome: A bibliometric analysis from 2000 to 2022. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:991503. [DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.991503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a refractory arrhythmia disease caused by the pathological changes of sinoatrial node and its adjacent tissues. 2,251 publications related to SSS were retrieved from Web of Science database from 2000 to 2022 and analyzed by using VOS viewer and CiteSpace software. The results showed the United States dominated the field, followed by Japan, Germany, and China. SSS was closely related to risk factors such as atrial fibrillation and aging. Sick sinus syndrome, atrial fibrillation and sinus node dysfunction were the top three keywords that had the strongest correlation with the study. Pacemaker implantation, differentiation and mutation are research hotspots currently. Clinical studies on SSS found that sick sinus syndrome, atrial fibrillation, and pacemakers were the top three keywords that had the largest nodes and the highest frequency. In the field of basic applied research and basic research, atrial fibrillation and pacemaker cells were the focus of research. In conclusion, bibliometric analysis provided valuable information for the prevention, treatment and future research trends of SSS.
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6
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Yin L, Wang FY, Zhang W, Wang X, Tang YH, Wang T, Chen YT, Huang CX. RA signaling pathway combined with Wnt signaling pathway regulates human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) differentiation to sinus node-like cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:324. [PMID: 35851424 PMCID: PMC9290266 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03006-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The source of SAN is debated among researchers. Many studies have shown that RA and Wnt signaling are involved in heart development. In this study, we investigated the role of retinoic acid (RA) and Wnt signaling in the induction of sinus node-like cells.
Methods The experimental samples were divided into four groups: control group (CHIR = 0), CHIR = 3, RA + CHIR = 0 andRA + CHIR = 3. After 20 days of differentiation, Western blot, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were performed to identify sinus node-like cells. Finally, whole-cell patch clamp technique was used to record pacing funny current and action potential (AP) in four groups.
Results The best intervention method used in our experiment was RA = 0.25 µmol/L D5-D9 + CHIR = 3 µmol/L D5-D7. Results showed that CHIR can increase the expression of ISL-1 and TBX3, while RA mainly elevated Shox2. Immunofluorescence assay and flow cytometry further illustrated that combining RA with CHIR can induce sinus node-like cells (CTNT+Shox2+Nkx2.5−). Moreover, CHIR might reduce the frequency of cell beats, but in conjunction with RA could partly compensate for this side effect. Whole cell patch clamps were able to record funny current and the typical sinus node AP in the experimental group, which did not appear in the control group. Conclusions Combining RA with Wnt signaling within a specific period can induce sinus node-like cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-03006-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yin
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Yuan Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Hong Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Teng Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Ting Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong-Xin Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, 238 Jiefang Road, Wuchang, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China. .,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China. .,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Liu J, Kasuya G, Zempo B, Nakajo K. Two HCN4 Channels Play Functional Roles in the Zebrafish Heart. Front Physiol 2022; 13:901571. [PMID: 35846012 PMCID: PMC9281569 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.901571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The HCN4 channel is essential for heart rate regulation in vertebrates by generating pacemaker potentials in the sinoatrial node. HCN4 channel abnormality may cause bradycardia and sick sinus syndrome, making it an important target for clinical research and drug discovery. The zebrafish is a popular animal model for cardiovascular research. They are potentially suitable for studying inherited heart diseases, including cardiac arrhythmia. However, it has not been determined how similar the ion channels that underlie cardiac automaticity are in zebrafish and humans. In the case of HCN4, humans have one gene, whereas zebrafish have two ortholog genes (DrHCN4 and DrHCN4L; ‘Dr’ referring to Danio rerio). However, it is not known whether the two HCN4 channels have different physiological functions and roles in heart rate regulation. In this study, we characterized the biophysical properties of the two zebrafish HCN4 channels in Xenopus oocytes and compared them to those of the human HCN4 channel. We found that they showed different gating properties: DrHCN4L currents showed faster activation kinetics and a more positively shifted G-V curve than did DrHCN4 and human HCN4 currents. We made chimeric channels of DrHCN4 and DrHCN4L and found that cytoplasmic domains were determinants for the faster activation and the positively shifted G-V relationship in DrHCN4L. The use of a dominant-negative HCN4 mutant confirmed that DrHCN4 and DrHCN4L can form a heteromultimeric channel in Xenopus oocytes. Next, we confirmed that both are sensitive to common HCN channel inhibitors/blockers including Cs+, ivabradine, and ZD7288. These HCN inhibitors successfully lowered zebrafish heart rate during early embryonic stages. Finally, we knocked down the HCN4 genes using antisense morpholino and found that knocking down either or both of the HCN4 channels caused a temporal decrease in heart rate and tended to cause pericardial edema. These findings suggest that both DrHCN4 and DrHCN4L play a significant role in zebrafish heart rate regulation.
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8
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Korzh VP, Gasanov EV. Genetics of Atavism. Russ J Dev Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360422030043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Atavisms have attracted people’s attention for a long time. First, atavisms excited their imagination and created fertile ground for myths and superstitions. With the development of science, atavisms became the subject of investigation, which soon provided evidence to support evolutionary theory. However, at the molecular level, the formation of atavisms remained insufficiently understood. Recent progress in comparative genomics and molecular developmental biology has helped in understanding the processes underlying the formation of one of the human atavisms: the vestigial tail.
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9
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Stoyek MR, MacDonald EA, Mantifel M, Baillie JS, Selig BM, Croll RP, Smith FM, Quinn TA. Drivers of Sinoatrial Node Automaticity in Zebrafish: Comparison With Mechanisms of Mammalian Pacemaker Function. Front Physiol 2022; 13:818122. [PMID: 35295582 PMCID: PMC8919049 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.818122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac excitation originates in the sinoatrial node (SAN), due to the automaticity of this distinct region of the heart. SAN automaticity is the result of a gradual depolarisation of the membrane potential in diastole, driven by a coupled system of transarcolemmal ion currents and intracellular Ca2+ cycling. The frequency of SAN excitation determines heart rate and is under the control of extra- and intracardiac (extrinsic and intrinsic) factors, including neural inputs and responses to tissue stretch. While the structure, function, and control of the SAN have been extensively studied in mammals, and some critical aspects have been shown to be similar in zebrafish, the specific drivers of zebrafish SAN automaticity and the response of its excitation to vagal nerve stimulation and mechanical preload remain incompletely understood. As the zebrafish represents an important alternative experimental model for the study of cardiac (patho-) physiology, we sought to determine its drivers of SAN automaticity and the response to nerve stimulation and baseline stretch. Using a pharmacological approach mirroring classic mammalian experiments, along with electrical stimulation of intact cardiac vagal nerves and the application of mechanical preload to the SAN, we demonstrate that the principal components of the coupled membrane- Ca2+ pacemaker system that drives automaticity in mammals are also active in the zebrafish, and that the effects of extra- and intracardiac control of heart rate seen in mammals are also present. Overall, these results, combined with previously published work, support the utility of the zebrafish as a novel experimental model for studies of SAN (patho-) physiological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Stoyek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Eilidh A. MacDonald
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Mantifel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jonathan S. Baillie
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Bailey M. Selig
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Roger P. Croll
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Frank M. Smith
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - T. Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- *Correspondence: T. Alexander Quinn,
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10
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Gauvrit S, Bossaer J, Lee J, Collins MM. Modeling Human Cardiac Arrhythmias: Insights from Zebrafish. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9010013. [PMID: 35050223 PMCID: PMC8779270 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, is associated with morbidity and mortality and is described as one of the most important future public health challenges. Therefore, developing new models of cardiac arrhythmia is critical for understanding disease mechanisms, determining genetic underpinnings, and developing new therapeutic strategies. In the last few decades, the zebrafish has emerged as an attractive model to reproduce in vivo human cardiac pathologies, including arrhythmias. Here, we highlight the contribution of zebrafish to the field and discuss the available cardiac arrhythmia models. Further, we outline techniques to assess potential heart rhythm defects in larval and adult zebrafish. As genetic tools in zebrafish continue to bloom, this model will be crucial for functional genomics studies and to develop personalized anti-arrhythmic therapies.
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11
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Abu Nahia K, Migdał M, Quinn TA, Poon KL, Łapiński M, Sulej A, Liu J, Mondal SS, Pawlak M, Bugajski Ł, Piwocka K, Brand T, Kohl P, Korzh V, Winata C. Genomic and physiological analyses of the zebrafish atrioventricular canal reveal molecular building blocks of the secondary pacemaker region. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6669-6687. [PMID: 34557935 PMCID: PMC8558220 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03939-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The atrioventricular canal (AVC) is the site where key structures responsible for functional division between heart regions are established, most importantly, the atrioventricular (AV) conduction system and cardiac valves. To elucidate the mechanism underlying AVC development and function, we utilized transgenic zebrafish line sqet31Et expressing EGFP in the AVC to isolate this cell population and profile its transcriptome at 48 and 72 hpf. The zebrafish AVC transcriptome exhibits hallmarks of mammalian AV node, including the expression of genes implicated in its development and those encoding connexins forming low conductance gap junctions. Transcriptome analysis uncovered protein-coding and noncoding transcripts enriched in AVC, which have not been previously associated with this structure, as well as dynamic expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers and components of TGF-β, Notch, and Wnt signaling pathways likely reflecting ongoing AVC and valve development. Using transgenic line Tg(myl7:mermaid) encoding voltage-sensitive fluorescent protein, we show that abolishing the pacemaker-containing sinoatrial ring (SAR) through Isl1 loss of function resulted in spontaneous activation in the AVC region, suggesting that it possesses inherent automaticity although insufficient to replace the SAR. The SAR and AVC transcriptomes express partially overlapping species of ion channels and gap junction proteins, reflecting their distinct roles. Besides identifying conserved aspects between zebrafish and mammalian conduction systems, our results established molecular hallmarks of the developing AVC which underlies its role in structural and electrophysiological separation between heart chambers. This data constitutes a valuable resource for studying AVC development and function, and identification of novel candidate genes implicated in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Abu Nahia
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Migdał
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - T Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kar-Lai Poon
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, 61 Biopolis Dr, Singapore , Singapore.,Developmental Dynamics, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Maciej Łapiński
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Sulej
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jiandong Liu
- McAllister Heart Institute, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Shamba S Mondal
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Pawlak
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Thomas Brand
- Developmental Dynamics, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre, Faculty of Medicine, and Faculty of Engineering, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Vladimir Korzh
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Cecilia Winata
- International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
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