Regulation of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum function by phospholamban

A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins in Cardiac Myocytes and Their Roles in Regulating Calcium Cycling

The rate of calcium cycling and calcium transient amplitude are critical determinants for the efficient contraction and relaxation of the heart. Calcium-handling proteins in the cardiac myocyte are altered in heart failure, and restoring the proper function of those proteins is an effective potential therapeutic strategy. The calcium-handling proteins or their regulators are phosphorylated by a cAMP-dependent kinase (PKA), and thereby their activity is regulated. A-Kinase Anchoring Proteins (AKAPs) play a seminal role in orchestrating PKA and cAMP regulators in calcium handling and contractile machinery. This cAMP/PKA orchestration is crucial for the increased force and rate of contraction and relaxation of the heart in response to fight-or-flight. Knockout models and the few available preclinical models proved that the efficient targeting of AKAPs offers potential therapies tailor-made for improving defective calcium cycling. In this review, we highlight important studies that identified AKAPs and their regulatory roles in cardiac myocyte calcium cycling in health and disease.

Kcnj11 Ablation Is Associated With Increased Nitro-Oxidative Stress During Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury: Implications for Human Ischemic Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Despite increased secondary cardiovascular events in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), the expression of innate cardiac protective molecules in the hearts of patients with ICM is incompletely characterized. Therefore, we used a nonbiased RNAseq approach to determine whether differences in cardiac protective molecules occur with ICM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

RNAseq analysis of human control and ICM left ventricular samples demonstrated a significant decrease in KCNJ11 expression with ICM. KCNJ11 encodes the Kir6.2 subunit of the cardioprotective K_ATP channel. Using wild-type mice and kcnj11-deficient (kcnj11-null) mice, we examined the effect of kcnj11 expression on cardiac function during ischemia-reperfusion injury. Reactive oxygen species generation increased in kcnj11-null hearts above that found in wild-type mice hearts after ischemia-reperfusion injury. Continuous left ventricular pressure measurement during ischemia and reperfusion demonstrated a more compromised diastolic function in kcnj11-null compared with wild-type mice during reperfusion. Analysis of key calcium-regulating proteins revealed significant differences in kcnj11-null mice. Despite impaired relaxation, kcnj11-null hearts increased phospholamban Ser16 phosphorylation, a modification that results in the dissociation of phospholamban from sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺, thereby increasing sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-mediated calcium reuptake. However, kcnj11-null mice also had increased 3-nitrotyrosine modification of the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase, a modification that irreversibly impairs sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ function, thereby contributing to diastolic dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

KCNJ11 expression is decreased in human ICM. Lack of kcnj11 expression increases peroxynitrite-mediated modification of the key calcium-handling protein sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, contributing to impaired diastolic function. These data suggest a mechanism for ischemia-induced diastolic dysfunction in patients with ICM.

Pulmonary artery banding alters the expression of Ca2+ transport proteins in the right atrium in rabbits

Following pulmonary artery banding (PAB), the contractile function of right ventricle diminishes over time. Subsequently, the right atrium (RA) has to contract against a higher afterload, but it is unknown to what extent ventricular dysfunction has an effect on the atrial contractility. We hypothesized that right ventricular pressure overload may have an affect on atrial contractility and Ca(2+) transport protein expression. Therefore, we induced pressure overload of the right ventricle by PAB for 10 wk in rabbits and examined the changes in the expression of Ca(2+) transport proteins in the atrium. We demonstrate that PAB significantly decreased the expression of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (Serca) 2a while expression of Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger-1 was significantly upregulated in the RA but not in the left atria of rabbit hearts, indicating that pressure is the major trigger. A decrease in Serca2a expression was concomitant with a significant decrease in sarcolipin (SLN), possibly indicating a compensatory role of SLN. The decreased expression of SLN was unable to completely restore sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) uptake function of Serca2a. Functional contractile assessments in isolated trabeculae showed no difference between PAB- and sham-operated rabbits at 1 Hz but displayed an enhanced force development at higher frequencies and in the presence of isoproterenol, while twitch timing was unaffected. Our results indicate that right ventricular mechanical overload due to PAB affects the expression of the Ca(2+)-handling proteins in the RA in rabbits.

Phase I and phase II of short-term mechanical restitution in perfused rat left ventricles

We examined the contributions of the Ca(2+) channels of the sarcolemma and of the sarcoplasmic reticulum to electromechanical restitution. Extrasystoles (F(1)) were interpolated 40-600 ms following a steady-state beat (F(0)) in perfused rat ventricles paced at 2 or 3 Hz. Plots of F(1)/F(0) versus the extrasystolic interval consisted of phase I, which occurred before relaxation of the steady-state beat, and phase II, which occurred later. Phase I exhibited a period of enhanced left ventricular pressure development that coincided with action potential prolongation. Phase I was eliminated by -BAY K 8644 (100 nM) and FPL 64176 (150 nM), augmented by 3 microM thapsigargin plus 200 nM ryanodine and unaffected by KN-93 and KB-R7943. Phase II was accelerated by the Ca(2+) channel agonists and by isoproterenol but was eliminated by thapsigargin plus ryanodine. The results suggest that phase I of electromechanical restitution is caused by a transient L-type Ca(2+) current facilitation, whereas phase II represents the recovery of the ability of the sarcoplasmic reticulum to release Ca(2+).

The expression of SR calcium transport ATPase and the Na(+)/Ca(2+)Exchanger are antithetically regulated during mouse cardiac development and in Hypo/hyperthyroidism

The mouse has been used extensively for generating transgenic animal models to study cardiovascular disease. Recently, a number of transgenic mouse models have been created to investigate the importance of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)transport proteins in cardiac pathophysiology. However, the expression and regulation of cardiac SR Ca(2+)ATPase and other Ca(2+)transport proteins have not been studied in detail in the mouse. In this study, we used multiplex RNase mapping analysis to determine SERCA2, phospholamban (PLB), and Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger (NCX-1) gene expression throughout mouse heart development and in hypo/hyperthyroid animals. Our results demonstrate that the expression of SERCA2 and PLB mRNA increase eight-fold from fetal to adult stages, indicating that SR function increases with heart development. In contrast, the expression of the Na(+)/Ca(2+)-exchanger gene is two-fold higher in fetal heart compared to adult. Our study also makes the important observation that in hypothyroidic hearts the NCX-1 mRNA and protein levels were upregulated, whereas the SERCA2 mRNA/protein levels were downregulated. In hyperthyroidic hearts, however, an opposite response was identified. These findings are important and point out that the expression of NCX-1 is regulated antithetically to that of SERCA2 during heart development and in response to alterations in thyroid hormone levels.

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on protein kinase C and SR proteins in heart failure

We tested the hypothesis that activation of protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in pressure-overload heart failure was prevented by angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition, resulting in normalization of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) 2a and phospholamban protein levels and improvement in intracellular Ca2+ handling. Aortic-banded and control guinea pigs were given ramipril (5 mg. kg-1. day-1) or placebo for 8 wk. Ramipril-treated banded animals had lower left ventricular (LV) and lung weight, improved survival, increased isovolumic LV mechanics, and improved cardiomyocyte Ca2+ transients compared with placebo-treated banded animals. This was associated with maintenance of SERCA2a and phospholamban protein expression. Translocation of PKC-alpha and -epsilon was increased in placebo-treated banded guinea pigs compared with controls and was attenuated significantly by treatment with ramipril. We conclude that ACE inhibition attenuates PKC translocation and prevents downregulation of Ca2+ cycling protein expression in pressure-overload hypertrophy. This represents a mechanism for the beneficial effects of this therapy on LV function and survival in heart failure.

Biophysical interaction between phospholamban and protein phosphatase 1 regulatory subunit GM

Regulation of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA 2a) depends on the phosphorylation state of phospholamban (PLB). When PLB is phosphorylated, its inhibitory effect towards SERCA 2a is relieved, leading to an enhanced myocardial performance. This process is reversed by a sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)-associated type 1 protein phosphatase (PP1) composed of a catalytic subunit PP1C and a regulatory subunit GM. Human GM and PLB have been produced in an in vitro transcription/translation system and used for co-immunoprecipitation and biosensor experiments. The detected interaction between the two partners suggests that cardiac PPI is targeted to PLB via GM and we believe that this process occurs with the identified transmembrane domains of the two proteins. Thus, the interaction between PLB and GM may represent a specific way to modulate the SR function in human cardiac muscle.

Phospholamban: protein structure, mechanism of action, and role in cardiac function

A comprehensive discussion is presented of advances in understanding the structure and function of phospholamban (PLB), the principal regulator of the Ca2+-ATPase of cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. Extensive historical studies are reviewed to provide perspective on recent developments. Phospholamban gene structure, expression, and regulation are presented in addition to in vitro and in vivo studies of PLB protein structure and activity. Applications of breakthrough experimental technologies in identifying PLB structure-function relationships and in defining its interaction with the Ca2+-ATPase are also highlighted. The current leading viewpoint of PLB's mechanism of action emerges from a critical examination of alternative hypotheses and the most recent experimental evidence. The potential physiological relevance of PLB function in human heart failure is also covered. The interest in PLB across diverse biochemical disciplines portends its continued intense scrutiny and its potential exploitation as a therapeutic target.

In vitro and in vivo promoter analyses of the mouse phospholamban gene

To determine the mechanisms responsible for regulation of the phospholamban (PLB) gene expression, a critical regulatory phosphoprotein in cardiac muscle, the mouse PLB gene was isolated and promoter analysis was performed in vitro and in vivo. The PLB gene consists of two exons separated by a single large intron. Deletion analysis revealed that a 7-kb 5' flanking fragment (including exon 1, the entire intron and part of exon 2) was necessary for maximal transcriptional activity in H9c2 and L6 cell lines. Interestingly, deletion of a 2.4-kb intronic region, which contained repetitive elements, caused a dramatic increase in CAT activity in both these cell lines. In vivo analysis indicated that the PLB fusion gene containing 7 kb of the 5'-flanking region was capable of cardiac specific gene expression in transgenic mice. Furthermore, these mice exhibited 3-fold higher levels of CAT activity in the ventricles compared with the atria, mimicking endogenous PLB mRNA expression. Our findings suggest that: (a) PLB gene expression may be regulated by the interplay of cis-acting regulatory elements located within the 5' flanking and intronic regions; and (b) the 7-kb upstream region is capable of directing cardiac-specific and compartment-specific expression in vivo.

Specific inhibition of cardiac and skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pumps by H-89

The isoquinolinesulfonamide H-89, an inhibitor of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinases (EC 2.7.1.37, cAPrK), inhibited the Ca2+-ATPase activity of cardiac and skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with concentrations giving half-maximal inhibition of 8.1 +/- 1.3 and 7.2 +/- 0.9 micromol/L, respectively. The effect of H-89 on cardiac SR Ca2+-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.38) was the same irrespective of the presence or absence of inhibitors of cAPrK and furthermore, was not affected by a neutralising monoclonal antibody raised against phospholamban. Thus, the action of H-89 in inhibiting SR Ca2+-ATPase would not appear to be mediated by inhibition of cAPrK to reduce the phosphorylation state of phospholamban. In both cardiac and skeletal muscle SR, the inhibition by H-89 was noncompetitive with respect to ATP at a low concentration of ATP (<1 mmol/L) and of a mixed pattern at high concentrations of ATP. H-89 produced a decrease in affinity of the SR Ca2+ pump to Ca2+ with an increase in the Km for Ca from 0.52 +/- 0.01 to 0.94 +/- 0.03 micromol/L (P < 0.05) in cardiac SR and from 0.39 +/- 0.01 to 0.79 +/- 0.02 micromol/L (P < 0.05) in skeletal muscle SR. These results suggest that H-89 inhibits SR Ca2+-ATPase by a direct action on the SR Ca2+ pump to decrease its affinity to Ca2+. Such an action may contribute to the pharmacological effect of H-89.

The relative phospholamban and SERCA2 ratio: a critical determinant of myocardial contractility

Phospholamban is a regulatory phosphoprotein which modulates the active transport of Ca2+ by the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticular Ca(2+)-ATPase enzyme (SERCA2) into the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Phospholamban, which is a reversible inhibitor of SERCA2, represses the enzyme's activity, and this inhibition is relieved upon phosphorylation of phospholamban in response to beta-adrenergic stimulation. In this way, phospholamban is an important regulator of SERCA2-mediated myocardial relaxation during diastole. This report centers on the hypothesis that the relative levels of phospholamban: SERCA2 in cardiac muscle plays an important role in the muscle's overall contractility status. This hypothesis was tested by comparing the contractile parameters of: a) murine atrial and ventricular muscles, which differentially express phospholamban, and b) murine wild-type and phospholamban knock-out hearts. These comparisons revealed that atrial muscles, which have a 4.2-fold lower phospholamban: SERCA2 ratio than ventricular muscles, exhibited rates of force development and relaxation of tension, which were three-fold faster that these parameters for ventricular muscles. Similar comparisons were made via analyses of left-ventricular pressure development recorded for isolated, work-performing hearts from wild-type and phospholamban knock-out mice. In these studies, hearts from phospholamban knock-out mice, which were devoid of phospholamban, exhibited enhanced parameters of left-ventricular contractility in comparison to wild-type hearts. These results suggest that the relative phospholamban: SERCA2 ratio is critical in the regulation of myocardial contractility and alterations in this ratio may contribute to the functional deterioration observed during heart failure.

Purified, reconstituted cardiac Ca2+-ATPase is regulated by phospholamban but not by direct phosphorylation with Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase

Regulation of calcium transport by sarcoplasmic reticulum provides increased cardiac contractility in response to beta-adrenergic stimulation. This is due to phosphorylation of phospholamban by cAMP-dependent protein kinase or by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, which activates the calcium pump (Ca2+-ATPase). Recently, direct phosphorylation of Ca2+-ATPase by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase has been proposed to provide additional regulation. To investigate these effects in detail, we have purified Ca2+-ATPase from cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum using affinity chromatography and reconstituted it with purified, recombinant phospholamban. The resulting proteoliposomes had high rates of calcium transport, which was tightly coupled to ATP hydrolysis (approximately 1.7 calcium ions transported per ATP molecule hydrolyzed). Co-reconstitution with phospholamban suppressed both calcium uptake and ATPase activities by approximately 50%, and this suppression was fully relieved by a phospholamban monoclonal antibody or by phosphorylation either with cAMP-dependent protein kinase or with calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase. These effects were consistent with a change in the apparent calcium affinity of Ca2+-ATPase and not with a change in Vmax. Neither the purified, reconstituted cardiac Ca2+-ATPase nor the Ca2+-ATPase in longitudinal cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum vesicles was a substrate for calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, and accordingly, we found no effect of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase phosphorylation on Vmax for calcium transport.

Differential changes in cardiac phospholamban and sarcoplasmic reticular Ca(2+)-ATPase protein levels. Effects on Ca2+ transport and mechanics in compensated pressure-overload hypertrophy and congestive heart failure

The objective of this study was to elucidate the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) in the transition from compensated pressure-overload hypertrophy (increased left ventricular [LV] mass, normal LV function, and no pulmonary congestion) to congestive heart failure (increased LV mass, depressed LV function, and pulmonary congestion). To address this issue, the descending thoracic aorta was banded for 4 and 8 weeks in adult guinea pigs, and the changes in isovolumic LV mechanics, SR Ca2+ transport, and SR protein levels were determined and compared with age-matched sham-operated control animals. A subgroup of the 8-week banded animals manifested the congestive heart failure phenotype with diminished developed LV pressure normalized by LV mass, reduced rates of LV pressure development and relaxation, and markedly increased lung weight-to-body weight ratios. The cardiac mechanical and morphometric changes were associated with depressed protein levels of the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase (85% of the control) and phospholamban (65% of the control) assessed by quantitative immunoblotting. Resultant rates of SR Ca2+ uptake (Vmax) and the affinity of SR Ca(2+)-ATPase for Ca2+ (EC50) were significantly depressed [32 +/- 6 nmol Ca2+.min-1.mg-1 and 0.59 +/- 0.12 (mumol/L)/L, respectively] compared with the 8-week sham-operated control animals [40 +/- 1 nmol Ca2+.min-1.mg-1 and 0.40 +/- 0.05 (mumol/L)/L, respectively]. We conclude that this model of pressure overload-induced cardiac failure is associated with (1) diminished LV force development, rates of pressure development, and decay; (2) depressed protein expression of the Ca(2+)-cycling proteins SR Ca(2+)-ATPase and phospholamban; and (3) decreased Vmax and affinity of the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase for Ca2+.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Differential phospholamban gene expression in murine cardiac compartments. Molecular and physiological analyses

Phospholamban, the regulator of the Ca2+ pump in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum, is differentially expressed between murine atrial and ventricular muscles. Quantitative analyses of RNA isolated from atrial flaps and ventricular apices indicated that the phospholamban gene transcript copy number is 2.5-fold higher in the ventricle compared with the atrium of the FVB/N mouse and 6-fold higher in the ventricle compared with the atrium of the B6D2/F1 mouse strain. These findings were corroborated by in situ hybridization studies of cardiopulmonary sections from both murine strains, and phospholamban transcripts were also observed in pulmonary myocardia of both strains. Analyses of phospholamban transcript levels relative to alpha-myosin heavy chain (alpha-MHC) revealed a 3-fold higher phospholamban abundance in the ventricle compared with the atrium of the FVB/N murine strain. However, the relative mRNA level of Ca(2+)-ATPase (ratio of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase [SERCA2] to alpha-MHC) in the ventricle was 80% of that in the atrium. Consequently, the relative ratio of phospholamban to SERCA2 mRNA was 4.2-fold lower in the atrium than in the ventricle. The lower transcript ratio of phospholamban to SERCA2 in the atrium was associated with significantly shortened times to half-relaxation (17.40 +/- 0.71 milliseconds for atrium versus 30.58 +/- 2.04 milliseconds for ventricle), assessed in isolated superfused cardiac tissue preparations recorded at maximum length tension. Contraction times, measured as times to peak tension, were also significantly shortened in atrial muscle (27.36 +/- 0.82 milliseconds) compared with ventricular muscle (44.60 +/- 2.55 milliseconds), assessed in the same tissue preparations. These findings suggest that phospholamban gene expression is differentially regulated in murine atrial and ventricular muscles and that this differential expression may be associated with differences in the contractile parameters of these cardiac compartments.

Thyroid hormone-induced alterations in phospholamban protein expression. Regulatory effects on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transport and myocardial relaxation

The aim of the present study was to determine the changes in phospholamban protein levels and their regulatory effect on sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ uptake and left ventricular function in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid rat hearts. Hypothyroidism was associated with decreases in basal left ventricular function (+dP/dt and -dP/dt), whereas in hyperthyroidism these parameters were elevated compared with values for euthyroid hearts. The maximal SR Ca2+ uptake rates were 12.8 +/- 1.1, 15.5 +/- 1.2, and 21.4 +/- 1.4 nmol Ca2+ per milligram per minute, and the EC50 values for Ca2+ were 0.76 +/- 0.09, 0.41 +/- 0.07, and 0.30 +/- 0.05 mumol/L assayed in homogenates from hypothyroid, euthyroid, and hyperthyroid hearts, respectively. The relative tissue level of phospholamban was increased (135%) in hypothyroidism and decreased (75%) in hyperthyroidism compared with euthyroidism (100%). An opposite trend was observed for the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase, which was depressed (74%) in hypothyroid hearts but increased (134%) in hyperthyroid hearts. Consequently, the relative ratio of phospholamban to Ca(2+)-ATPase was highest in hypothyroid and lowest in hyperthyroid hearts, and these changes correlated with changes in the EC50 of the SR Ca2+ uptake for Ca2+. Stimulation of hearts with 0.1 mumol/L isoproterenol revealed that the relaxant effects were lower in hyperthyroid hearts and higher in hypothyroid hearts compared with euthyroid hearts, consistent with the alterations in the phospholamban levels. The maximal increases in the speed of relaxation, elicited by isoproterenol stimulation, correlated with the changes in the relative ratio of phospholamban to Ca(2+)-ATPase in these hearts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Expression of phospholamban mRNA during early avian muscle morphogenesis is distinct from that of alpha-actin

We have studied the expression of phospholamban during the early development of chick embryos by in situ hybridization and have compared it to that of alpha-cardiac and alpha-skeletal actin. In adult cross-striated muscles there is only one phospholamban gene and it is expressed exclusively in the heart and slow muscles. In the heart phospholamban transcripts were first detected at stage 14 in the region of presumptive ventricle and at stage 20 in the atrium. In the myotomal portion of the somites phospholamban mRNA was first detected at stage 20, which lagged behind the appearance of the alpha-actins. In the limb rudiments all three mRNAs were barely detectable through stage 24, but increased by stage 28+. However, quantitative analysis of signal intensity at stage 28+ indicated that less phospholamban mRNA is present in the limb bud than in the myotome since for phospholamban the ratio of the signal density in the myotome to that in the limb rudiments was about twice the value of the ratio determined for the alpha-actins. Northern blot analysis of embryonic day 11 chick fast pectoralis muscle showed that phospholamban mRNA was not detected in vivo while alpha-cardiac actin mRNA was. Moreover, no phospholamban mRNA was detected in primary cultures derived from pectoralis muscle of the same age. In concert with previous observations that phospholamban is not detectable at stage 30-32 in wing or thigh muscle, these results suggest that phospholamban mRNA is expressed independently of the alpha-actins in the limb buds during early myogenesis.

Mouse phospholamban gene expression during development in vivo and in vitro

To establish a murine model that may allow for definition of the precise role of phospholamban in myocardial contractility through selective perturbations in the phospholamban gene, we initiated studies on the role of phospholamban in the murine heart. Intact beating hearts were perfused in the absence or presence of isoproterenol, and quantitative measurements of cardiac performance were obtained. Isoproterenol stimulation was associated with increases in the affinity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump for Ca2+ that were due to phospholamban phosphorylation. To assess the regulation of phospholamban gene expression during murine development, Northern blot and polymerase chain reaction analyses were used. Phospholamban mRNA was first detected in murine embryos on the ninth day of development (the time when the cardiac tube begins to contract). In murine embryoid bodies, which have been shown to recapitulate several aspects of cardiogenesis, phospholamban mRNA was detected on the seventh day (the time when spontaneous contractions are first observed). Only those embryoid bodies that exhibited contractions expressed phospholamban transcripts, and these were accompanied by expression of the protein, as revealed by immunofluorescence microscopy. Sequence analysis of the cDNA encoding phospholamban in embryoid bodies indicated complete homology to that in adult hearts. The deduced amino acid sequence of murine phospholamban was identical to rabbit cardiac phospholamban but different from dog cardiac and human cardiac phospholamban by one amino acid. These data suggest that phospholamban, the regulator of the Ca(2+)-ATPase in cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum, is present very early in murine cardiogenesis in utero and in vitro, and this may constitute an important determinant for proper development of myocardial contractility.

The structure, role, and regulation of type 1 protein phosphatases

Type 1 protein phosphatases (PP-1) comprise a group of widely distributed enzymes that specifically dephosphorylate serine and threonine residues of certain phosphoproteins. They all contain an isoform of the same catalytic subunit, which has an extremely conserved primary structure. One of the properties of PP-1 that allows one to distinguish them from other serine/threonine protein phosphatases is their sensitivity to inhibition by two proteins, termed inhibitor 1 and inhibitor 2, or modulator. The latter protein can also form a 1:1 complex with the catalytic subunit that slowly inactivates upon incubation. This complex is reactivated in vitro by incubation with MgATP and protein kinase FA/GSK-3. In the cell the type 1 catalytic subunit is associated with noncatalytic subunits that determine the activity, the substrate specificity, and the subcellular location of the phosphatase. PP-1 plays an essential role in glycogen metabolism, calcium transport, muscle contraction, intracellular transport, protein synthesis, and cell division. The activity of PP-1 is regulated by hormones like insulin, glucagon, alpha- and beta-adrenergic agonists, glucocorticoids, and thyroid hormones.

Association of cytoplasmic free Ca2+ gradients with subcellular organelles

Previous investigations have identified gradients of intracellular free (Ca2+)i (Ca2+i) in the cytoplasm of human fibroblasts. In this study we have compared the spatial distribution of these gradients with the subcellular distribution of cytoplasmic organelles. Using the Ca(2+)-sensitive dye fura-2 and organelle-specific fluorescent dyes, we have found that the highest Ca2+ concentrations are found in the perinuclear cytoplasm and that these regions co-localize with the Golgi apparatus. The area occupied by the endoplasmic reticulum, which includes the Golgi region plus an adjacent area, is also significantly elevated above the average cellular (Ca2+)i. Most mitochondria are located in regions different from those with the highest (Ca2+)i. A variety of phenomena which could have given rise to artifactual (Ca2+)i gradients have been ruled out, including compartmentalization of fura-2 in subcellular organelles, incomplete hydrolysis of fura-2AM esters, and the presence of pH gradients which might change the Ca2+ binding characteristics of fura-2. The existence of gradients in (Ca2+)i between ER and Golgi containing regions of the cytoplasm supports the hypothesis (Sambrook: Cell 61:197-199, 1990) that the traffic of membrane bound vesicles from ER to Golgi is directed by local variations in (Ca2+)i.