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Blackwood SJ, Tischer D, van de Ven MPF, Pontén M, Edman S, Horwath O, Apró W, Röja J, Ekblom MM, Moberg M, Katz A. Elevated heart rate and decreased muscle endothelial nitric oxide synthase in early development of insulin resistance. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2024; 327:E172-E182. [PMID: 38836779 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00148.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Insulin resistance (IR) is a risk factor for the development of several major metabolic diseases. Muscle fiber composition is established early in life and is associated with insulin sensitivity. Hence, muscle fiber composition was used to identify early defects in the development of IR in healthy young individuals in the absence of clinical manifestations. Biopsies were obtained from the thigh muscle, followed by an intravenous glucose tolerance test. Indices of insulin action were calculated and cardiovascular measurements, analyses of blood and muscle were performed. Whole body insulin sensitivity (SIgalvin) was positively related to expression of type I muscle fibers (r = 0.49; P < 0.001) and negatively related to resting heart rate (HR, r = -0.39; P < 0.001), which was also negatively related to expression of type I muscle fibers (r = -0.41; P < 0.001). Muscle protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), whose activation results in vasodilation, was measured in two subsets of subjects expressing a high percentage of type I fibers (59 ± 6%; HR = 57 ± 9 beats/min; SIgalvin = 1.8 ± 0.7 units) or low percentage of type I fibers (30 ± 6%; HR = 71 ± 11; SIgalvin = 0.8 ± 0.3 units; P < 0.001 for all variables vs. first group). eNOS expression was 1) higher in subjects with high type I expression; 2) almost twofold higher in pools of type I versus II fibers; 3) only detected in capillaries surrounding muscle fibers; and 4) linearly associated with SIgalvin. These data demonstrate that an altered function of the autonomic nervous system and a compromised capacity for vasodilation in the microvasculature occur early in the development of IR.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Insulin resistance (IR) is a risk factor for the development of several metabolic diseases. In healthy young individuals, an elevated heart rate (HR) correlates with low insulin sensitivity and high expression of type II skeletal muscle fibers, which express low levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and, hence, a limited capacity to induce vasodilation in response to insulin. Early targeting of the autonomic nervous system and microvasculature may attenuate development of diseases stemming from insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Blackwood
- Åstrand Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dominik Tischer
- Åstrand Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Myrthe P F van de Ven
- Åstrand Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marjan Pontén
- Åstrand Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Edman
- Åstrand Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Oscar Horwath
- Åstrand Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - William Apró
- Åstrand Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julia Röja
- Åstrand Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria M Ekblom
- Department of Physical Activity and Health, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Moberg
- Åstrand Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Abram Katz
- Åstrand Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Nutrition and Biomechanics, The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
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Lee C, Xu S, Samad T, Goodyer WR, Raissadati A, Heinrich P, Wu SM. The cardiac conduction system: History, development, and disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 156:157-200. [PMID: 38556422 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.02.006] [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] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The heart is the first organ to form during embryonic development, establishing the circulatory infrastructure necessary to sustain life and enable downstream organogenesis. Critical to the heart's function is its ability to initiate and propagate electrical impulses that allow for the coordinated contraction and relaxation of its chambers, and thus, the movement of blood and nutrients. Several specialized structures within the heart, collectively known as the cardiac conduction system (CCS), are responsible for this phenomenon. In this review, we discuss the discovery and scientific history of the mammalian cardiac conduction system as well as the key genes and transcription factors implicated in the formation of its major structures. We also describe known human diseases related to CCS development and explore existing challenges in the clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa Lee
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Sidra Xu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Tahmina Samad
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - William R Goodyer
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Alireza Raissadati
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Paul Heinrich
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Regenerative Medicine in Cardiovascular Diseases, First Department of Medicine, Cardiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Sean M Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
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3
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Xu FF, Xie XF, Hu HY, Tong RS, Peng C. Shenfu injection: a review of pharmacological effects on cardiovascular diseases. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1279584. [PMID: 38420190 PMCID: PMC10899515 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1279584] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Shenfu injection (SFI), composed of ginseng and aconite, is a Chinese patent developed from the classic traditional prescription Shenfu Decoction created more than 700 years ago. SFI has been widely used in China for over 30 years for treating cardiovascular diseases. The main components in it include ginsenosides and aconitum alkaloids. In recent years, the role of SFI in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases has attracted much attention. The pharmacological effects and therapeutic applications of SFI in cardiovascular diseases are summarized here, highlighting pharmacological features and potential mechanisms developments, confirming that SFI can play a role in multiple ways and is a promising drug for treating cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Fei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Yan Hu
- Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong-Sheng Tong
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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4
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Vasylyev DV, Liu S, Waxman SG. I h current stabilizes excitability in rodent DRG neurons and reverses hyperexcitability in a nociceptive neuron model of inherited neuropathic pain. J Physiol 2023; 601:5341-5366. [PMID: 37846879 PMCID: PMC10843455 DOI: 10.1113/jp284999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
We show here that hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih ) unexpectedly acts to inhibit the activity of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons expressing WT Nav1.7, the largest inward current and primary driver of DRG neuronal firing, and hyperexcitable DRG neurons expressing a gain-of-function Nav1.7 mutation that causes inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), a human genetic model of neuropathic pain. In this study we created a kinetic model of Ih and used it, in combination with dynamic-clamp, to study Ih function in DRG neurons. We show, for the first time, that Ih increases rheobase and reduces the firing probability in small DRG neurons, and demonstrate that the amplitude of subthreshold oscillations is reduced by Ih . Our results show that Ih , due to slow gating, is not deactivated during action potentials (APs) and has a striking damping action, which reverses from depolarizing to hyperpolarizing, close to the threshold for AP generation. Moreover, we show that Ih reverses the hyperexcitability of DRG neurons expressing a gain-of-function Nav1.7 mutation that causes IEM. In the aggregate, our results show that Ih unexpectedly has strikingly different effects in DRG neurons as compared to previously- and well-studied cardiac cells. Within DRG neurons where Nav1.7 is present, Ih reduces depolarizing sodium current inflow due to enhancement of Nav1.7 channel fast inactivation and creates additional damping action by reversal of Ih direction from depolarizing to hyperpolarizing close to the threshold for AP generation. These actions of Ih limit the firing of DRG neurons expressing WT Nav1.7 and reverse the hyperexcitability of DRG neurons expressing a gain-of-function Nav1.7 mutation that causes IEM. KEY POINTS: Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, the molecular determinants of hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih ) have been characterized as a 'pain pacemaker', and thus considered to be a potential molecular target for pain therapeutics. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons express Nav1.7, a channel that is not present in central neurons or cardiac tissue. Gain-of-function mutations (GOF) of Nav1.7 identified in inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), a human genetic model of neuropathic pain, produce DRG neuron hyperexcitability, which in turn produces severe pain. We found that Ih increases rheobase and reduces firing probability in small DRG neurons expressing WT Nav1.7, and demonstrate that the amplitude of subthreshold oscillations is reduced by Ih . We also demonstrate that Ih reverses the hyperexcitability of DRG neurons expressing a GOF Nav1.7 mutation (L858H) that causes IEM. Our results show that, in contrast to cardiac cells and CNS neurons, Ih acts to stabilize DRG neuron excitability and prevents excessive firing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmytro V. Vasylyev
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
| | - Shujun Liu
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
| | - Stephen G. Waxman
- Department of Neurology and Center for Neuroscience & Regeneration Research, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516
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Landi S, Giannetti F, Benzoni P, Campostrini G, Rossi G, Piantoni C, Bertoli G, Bonfanti C, Carnevali L, Bucchi A, Baruscotti M, Careccia G, Messina G, Barbuti A. Lack of the transcription factor Nfix causes tachycardia in mice sinus node and rats neonatal cardiomyocytes. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 239:e13981. [PMID: 37186371 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Nfix is a transcription factor belonging to the Nuclear Factor I (NFI) family comprising four members (Nfia, b, c, x). Nfix plays important roles in the development and function of several organs. In muscle development, Nfix controls the switch from embryonic to fetal myogenesis by promoting fast twitching fibres. In the adult muscle, following injury, lack of Nfix impairs regeneration, inducing higher content of slow-twitching fibres. Nfix is expressed also in the heart, but its function has been never investigated before. We studied Nfix role in this organ. METHODS Using Nfix-null and wild type (WT) mice we analyzed: (1) the expression pattern of Nfix during development by qPCR and (2) the functional alterations caused by its absence, by in vivo telemetry and in vitro patch clamp analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Nfix expression start in the heart from E12.5. Adult hearts of Nfix-null mice show a hearts morphology and sarcomeric proteins expression similar to WT. However, Nfix-null animals show tachycardia that derives form an intrinsic higher beating rate of the sinus node (SAN). Molecular and functional analysis revealed that sinoatrial cells of Nfix-null mice express a significantly larger L-type calcium current (Cacna1d + Cacna1c). Interestingly, downregulation of Nfix by sh-RNA in primary cultures of neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes induced a similar increase in their spontaneous beating rate and in ICaL current. In conclusion, our data provide the first demonstration of a role of Nfix that, increasing the L-type calcium current, modulates heart rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Landi
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Giannetti
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Benzoni
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Campostrini
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliana Rossi
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Piantoni
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Bertoli
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonfanti
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Carnevali
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bucchi
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Mirko Baruscotti
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Careccia
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Messina
- Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbuti
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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6
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Dore R, Watson L, Hollidge S, Krause C, Sentis SC, Oelkrug R, Geißler C, Johann K, Pedaran M, Lyons G, Lopez-Alcantara N, Resch J, Sayk F, Iwen KA, Franke A, Boysen TJ, Dalley JW, Lorenz K, Moran C, Rennie KL, Arner A, Kirchner H, Chatterjee K, Mittag J. Resistance to thyroid hormone induced tachycardia in RTHα syndrome. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3312. [PMID: 37286550 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38960-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in thyroid hormone receptor α1 (TRα1) cause Resistance to Thyroid Hormone α (RTHα), a disorder characterized by hypothyroidism in TRα1-expressing tissues including the heart. Surprisingly, we report that treatment of RTHα patients with thyroxine to overcome tissue hormone resistance does not elevate their heart rate. Cardiac telemetry in male, TRα1 mutant, mice indicates that such persistent bradycardia is caused by an intrinsic cardiac defect and not due to altered autonomic control. Transcriptomic analyses show preserved, thyroid hormone (T3)-dependent upregulation of pacemaker channels (Hcn2, Hcn4), but irreversibly reduced expression of several ion channel genes controlling heart rate. Exposure of TRα1 mutant male mice to higher maternal T3 concentrations in utero, restores altered expression and DNA methylation of ion channels, including Ryr2. Our findings indicate that target genes other than Hcn2 and Hcn4 mediate T3-induced tachycardia and suggest that treatment of RTHα patients with thyroxine in high dosage without concomitant tachycardia, is possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Dore
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Laura Watson
- National Institute Health and Care Research Cambridge Clinical Research Facility, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stefanie Hollidge
- MRC Epidemiology Unit and Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christin Krause
- Institute for Human Genetics, Department of Epigenetics & Metabolism, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sarah Christine Sentis
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Rebecca Oelkrug
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Cathleen Geißler
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Kornelia Johann
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Mehdi Pedaran
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Greta Lyons
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nuria Lopez-Alcantara
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Julia Resch
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Friedhelm Sayk
- Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Karl Alexander Iwen
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
- Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Andre Franke
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Teide Jens Boysen
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jeffrey W Dalley
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 3EB, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Versbacher Straße 9, 97078, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Str. 11, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Carla Moran
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Beacon Hospital and School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kirsten L Rennie
- MRC Epidemiology Unit and Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anders Arner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, c/o Igelösa Life Science AB, Igelösa 373, 225 94, Lund, Sweden
| | - Henriette Kirchner
- Institute for Human Genetics, Department of Epigenetics & Metabolism, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Krishna Chatterjee
- Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Metabolic Research Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jens Mittag
- Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Center of Brain Behavior & Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562, Lübeck, Germany.
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7
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Congreve SD, Main A, Butler AS, Gao X, Brown E, Du C, Choisy SC, Cheng H, Hancox JC, Fuller W. Palmitoylation regulates the magnitude of HCN4-mediated currents in mammalian cells. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1163339. [PMID: 37123274 PMCID: PMC10133559 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1163339] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) and subsidiary pacemakers in the cardiac conduction system generate spontaneous electrical activity which is indispensable for electrical and therefore contractile function of the heart. The hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel HCN4 is responsible for genesis of the pacemaker "funny" current during diastolic depolarisation. S-palmitoylation, the reversible conjugation of the fatty acid palmitate to protein cysteine sulfhydryls, regulates the activity of key cardiac Na+ and Ca2+ handling proteins, influencing their membrane microdomain localisation and function. We investigated HCN4 palmitoylation and its functional consequences in engineered human embryonic kidney 293T cells as well as endogenous HCN4 in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. HCN4 was palmitoylated in all experimental systems investigated. We mapped the HCN4 palmitoylation sites to a pair of cysteines in the HCN4 intracellular amino terminus. A double cysteine-to-alanine mutation CC93A/179AA of full length HCN4 caused a ∼67% reduction in palmitoylation in comparison to wild type HCN4. We used whole-cell patch clamp to evaluate HCN4 current (IHCN4) in stably transfected 293T cells. Removal of the two N-terminal palmitoylation sites did not significantly alter half maximal activation voltage of IHCN4 or the activation slope factor. IHCN4 was significantly larger in cells expressing wild type compared to non-palmitoylated HCN4 across a range of voltages. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that although cysteine 93 is widely conserved across all classes of HCN4 vertebrate orthologs, conservation of cysteine 179 is restricted to placental mammals. Collectively, we provide evidence for functional regulation of HCN4 via palmitoylation of its amino terminus in vertebrates. We suggest that by recruiting the amino terminus to the bilayer, palmitoylation enhances the magnitude of HCN4-mediated currents, but does not significantly affect the kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samitha Dilini Congreve
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Main
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew S. Butler
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Xing Gao
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Brown
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Chunyun Du
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanié C. Choisy
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Hongwei Cheng
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jules C. Hancox
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - William Fuller
- School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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8
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Manoj P, Kim JA, Kim S, Li T, Sewani M, Chelu MG, Li N. Sinus node dysfunction: current understanding and future directions. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 324:H259-H278. [PMID: 36563014 PMCID: PMC9886352 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00618.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is the primary pacemaker of the heart. Normal SAN function is crucial in maintaining proper cardiac rhythm and contraction. Sinus node dysfunction (SND) is due to abnormalities within the SAN, which can affect the heartbeat frequency, regularity, and the propagation of electrical pulses through the cardiac conduction system. As a result, SND often increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. SND is most commonly seen as a disease of the elderly given the role of degenerative fibrosis as well as other age-dependent changes in its pathogenesis. Despite the prevalence of SND, current treatment is limited to pacemaker implantation, which is associated with substantial medical costs and complications. Emerging evidence has identified various genetic abnormalities that can cause SND, shedding light on the molecular underpinnings of SND. Identification of these molecular mechanisms and pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of SND is hoped to identify novel therapeutic targets for the development of more effective therapies for this disease. In this review article, we examine the anatomy of the SAN and the pathophysiology and epidemiology of SND. We then discuss in detail the most common genetic mutations correlated with SND and provide our perspectives on future research and therapeutic opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Manoj
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Jitae A Kim
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Stephanie Kim
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Tingting Li
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Maham Sewani
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Mihail G Chelu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Na Li
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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9
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Peters CH, Rickert C, Morotti S, Grandi E, Aronow KA, Beam KG, Proenza C. The funny current If is essential for the fight-or-flight response in cardiac pacemaker cells. J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:213619. [PMID: 36305844 PMCID: PMC9812006 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202213193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The sympathetic nervous system fight-or-flight response is characterized by a rapid increase in heart rate, which is mediated by an increase in the spontaneous action potential (AP) firing rate of pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node. Sympathetic neurons stimulate sinoatrial myocytes (SAMs) by activating β adrenergic receptors (βARs) and increasing cAMP. The funny current (If) is among the cAMP-sensitive currents in SAMs. If is critical for pacemaker activity, however, its role in the fight-or-flight response remains controversial. In this study, we used AP waveform analysis, machine learning, and dynamic clamp experiments in acutely isolated SAMs from mice to quantitatively define the AP waveform changes and role of If in the fight-or-flight increase in AP firing rate. We found that while βAR stimulation significantly altered nearly all AP waveform parameters, the increase in firing rate was only correlated with changes in a subset of parameters (diastolic duration, late AP duration, and diastolic depolarization rate). Dynamic clamp injection of the βAR-sensitive component of If showed that it accounts for ∼41% of the fight-or-flight increase in AP firing rate and 60% of the decrease in the interval between APs. Thus, If is an essential contributor to the fight-or-flight increase in heart rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin H. Peters
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Christian Rickert
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Stefano Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA
| | | | - Kurt G. Beam
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Catherine Proenza
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO,Correspondence to Catherine Proenza:
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10
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Paradigm shift: new concepts for HCN4 function in cardiac pacemaking. Pflugers Arch 2022; 474:649-663. [PMID: 35556164 PMCID: PMC9192375 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-022-02698-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide–gated (HCN) channels are the molecular correlate of the If current and are critically involved in controlling neuronal excitability and the autonomous rhythm of the heart. The HCN4 isoform is the main HCN channel subtype expressed in the sinoatrial node (SAN), a tissue composed of specialized pacemaker cells responsible for generating the intrinsic heartbeat. More than 40 years ago, the If current was first discovered in rabbit SAN tissue. Along with this discovery, a theory was proposed that cyclic adenosine monophosphate–dependent modulation of If mediates heart rate regulation by the autonomic nervous system—a process called chronotropic effect. However, up to the present day, this classical theory could not be reliably validated. Recently, new concepts emerged confirming that HCN4 channels indeed play an important role in heart rate regulation. However, the cellular mechanism by which HCN4 controls heart rate turned out to be completely different than originally postulated. Here, we review the latest findings regarding the physiological role of HCN4 in the SAN. We describe a newly discovered mechanism underlying heart rate regulation by HCN4 at the tissue and single cell levels, and we discuss these observations in the context of results from previously studied HCN4 mouse models.
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11
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Ottolia M, John S, Hazan A, Goldhaber JI. The Cardiac Na + -Ca 2+ Exchanger: From Structure to Function. Compr Physiol 2021; 12:2681-2717. [PMID: 34964124 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c200031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Ca2+ homeostasis is essential for cell function and survival. As such, the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration is tightly controlled by a wide number of specialized Ca2+ handling proteins. One among them is the Na+ -Ca2+ exchanger (NCX), a ubiquitous plasma membrane transporter that exploits the electrochemical gradient of Na+ to drive Ca2+ out of the cell, against its concentration gradient. In this critical role, this secondary transporter guides vital physiological processes such as Ca2+ homeostasis, muscle contraction, bone formation, and memory to name a few. Herein, we review the progress made in recent years about the structure of the mammalian NCX and how it relates to function. Particular emphasis will be given to the mammalian cardiac isoform, NCX1.1, due to the extensive studies conducted on this protein. Given the degree of conservation among the eukaryotic exchangers, the information highlighted herein will provide a foundation for our understanding of this transporter family. We will discuss gene structure, alternative splicing, topology, regulatory mechanisms, and NCX's functional role on cardiac physiology. Throughout this article, we will attempt to highlight important milestones in the field and controversial topics where future studies are required. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-37, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Ottolia
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Division of Molecular Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Scott John
- Department of Medicine (Cardiology), UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Adina Hazan
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Joshua I Goldhaber
- Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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12
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Shenfu Injection: A Famous Chinese Prescription That Promotes HCN4 Activity in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:9912844. [PMID: 34457032 PMCID: PMC8387162 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9912844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of Shenfu Injection (SFI) on HCN4 activity in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The sample of BMSCs was divided into six groups: a control group, a high-dose SFI group (0.25 ml/ml), a middle-dose SFI group (0.1 ml/ml), a low-dose SFI group (0.05 ml/ml), an adenovirus-encoded control vector group, and an adenovirus-encoded HCN4 group. Cell ultrastructure was observed using a transmission electron microscope. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect HCN4 expression, and HCN4 activity was detected using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect cAMP content. Application of flow cytometry confirmed that the isolated cells showed BMSC-like phenotypes. Differentiation of BMSCs in both the SFI and the adenovirus-encoding HCN4 groups occurred according to the cellular ultrastructure. Application of the whole-cell patch clamp technique revealed that SFI could activate the inward pacing current of BMSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. The RT-qPCR results showed that HCN4 expression was significantly higher in the high-dose SFI group than in the medium- and low-dose groups, whereas the cAMP content in the overexpressed HCN4 group decreased significantly; this content in the high-dose SFI group increased significantly. In conclusion, SFI promotes HCN4 activity in BMSCs, which could explain its treatment effect when administered to patients with cardiovascular diseases.
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13
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Mika D, Fischmeister R. Cyclic nucleotide signaling and pacemaker activity. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 166:29-38. [PMID: 34298001 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is the natural pacemaker of the heart, producing the electrical impulse that initiates every heart beat. Its activity is tightly controlled by the autonomic nervous system, and by circulating and locally released factors. Neurohumoral regulation of heart rate plays a crucial role in the integration of vital functions and influences behavior and ability to respond to changing environmental conditions. At the cellular level, modulation of SAN activity occurs through intracellular signaling pathways involving cyclic nucleotides: cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP (cGMP). In this Review, dedicated to Professor Dario DiFrancesco and his accomplishements in the field of cardiac pacemaking, we summarize all findings on the role of cyclic nucleotides signaling in regulating the key actors of cardiac automatism, and we provide an up-to-date review on cAMP- and cGMP-phosphodiesterases (PDEs), compellingly involved in this modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Mika
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, UMR-S, 1180, Châtenay-Malabry, France.
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14
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Peters CH, Liu PW, Morotti S, Gantz SC, Grandi E, Bean BP, Proenza C. Bidirectional flow of the funny current (I f) during the pacemaking cycle in murine sinoatrial node myocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2104668118. [PMID: 34260402 PMCID: PMC8285948 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2104668118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sinoatrial node myocytes (SAMs) act as cardiac pacemaker cells by firing spontaneous action potentials (APs) that initiate each heartbeat. The funny current (If) is critical for the generation of these spontaneous APs; however, its precise role during the pacemaking cycle remains unresolved. Here, we used the AP-clamp technique to quantify If during the cardiac cycle in mouse SAMs. We found that If is persistently active throughout the sinoatrial AP, with surprisingly little voltage-dependent gating. As a consequence, it carries both inward and outward current around its reversal potential of -30 mV. Despite operating at only 2 to 5% of its maximal conductance, If carries a substantial fraction of both depolarizing and repolarizing net charge movement during the firing cycle. We also show that β-adrenergic receptor stimulation increases the percentage of net depolarizing charge moved by If, consistent with a contribution of If to the fight-or-flight increase in heart rate. These properties were confirmed by heterologously expressed HCN4 channels and by mathematical models of If Modeling further suggested that the slow rates of activation and deactivation of the HCN4 isoform underlie the persistent activity of If during the sinoatrial AP. These results establish a new conceptual framework for the role of If in pacemaking, in which it operates at a very small fraction of maximal activation but nevertheless drives membrane potential oscillations in SAMs by providing substantial driving force in both inward and outward directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin H Peters
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
| | - Pin W Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Stefano Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Stephanie C Gantz
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Bruce P Bean
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Catherine Proenza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045;
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045
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15
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Hennis K, Rötzer RD, Piantoni C, Biel M, Wahl-Schott C, Fenske S. Speeding Up the Heart? Traditional and New Perspectives on HCN4 Function. Front Physiol 2021; 12:669029. [PMID: 34122140 PMCID: PMC8191466 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.669029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is the primary pacemaker of the heart and is responsible for generating the intrinsic heartbeat. Within the SAN, spontaneously active pacemaker cells initiate the electrical activity that causes the contraction of all cardiomyocytes. The firing rate of pacemaker cells depends on the slow diastolic depolarization (SDD) and determines the intrinsic heart rate (HR). To adapt cardiac output to varying physical demands, HR is regulated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS innervate the SAN and regulate the firing rate of pacemaker cells by accelerating or decelerating SDD-a process well-known as the chronotropic effect. Although this process is of fundamental physiological relevance, it is still incompletely understood how it is mediated at the subcellular level. Over the past 20 years, most of the work to resolve the underlying cellular mechanisms has made use of genetically engineered mouse models. In this review, we focus on the findings from these mouse studies regarding the cellular mechanisms involved in the generation and regulation of the heartbeat, with particular focus on the highly debated role of the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel HCN4 in mediating the chronotropic effect. By focusing on experimental data obtained in mice and humans, but not in other species, we outline how findings obtained in mice relate to human physiology and pathophysiology and provide specific information on how dysfunction or loss of HCN4 channels leads to human SAN disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Hennis
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - René D. Rötzer
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Chiara Piantoni
- Institute for Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Wahl-Schott
- Institute for Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie Fenske
- Center for Drug Research, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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16
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Balducci V, Cerbai E. Toward an in vitro human pacemaker. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:989-990. [PMID: 34032889 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02585-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Balducci
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cerbai
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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17
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Giannetti F, Benzoni P, Campostrini G, Milanesi R, Bucchi A, Baruscotti M, Dell'Era P, Rossini A, Barbuti A. A detailed characterization of the hyperpolarization-activated "funny" current (I f) in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes with pacemaker activity. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1009-1021. [PMID: 33934225 PMCID: PMC8245366 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02571-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Properties of the funny current (If) have been studied in several animal and cellular models, but so far little is known concerning its properties in human pacemaker cells. This work provides a detailed characterization of If in human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)–derived pacemaker cardiomyocytes (pCMs), at different time points. Patch-clamp analysis showed that If density did not change during differentiation; however, after day 30, it activates at more negative potential and with slower time constants. These changes are accompanied by a slowing in beating rate. If displayed the voltage-dependent block by caesium and reversed (Erev) at − 22 mV, compatibly with the 3:1 K+/Na+ permeability ratio. Lowering [Na+]o (30 mM) shifted the Erev to − 39 mV without affecting conductance. Increasing [K+]o (30 mM) shifted the Erev to − 15 mV with a fourfold increase in conductance. pCMs express mainly HCN4 and HCN1 together with the accessory subunits CAV3, KCR1, MiRP1, and SAP97 that contribute to the context-dependence of If. Autonomic agonists modulated the diastolic depolarization, and thus rate, of pCMs. The adrenergic agonist isoproterenol induced rate acceleration and a positive shift of If voltage-dependence (EC50 73.4 nM). The muscarinic agonists had opposite effects (Carbachol EC50, 11,6 nM). Carbachol effect was however small but it could be increased by pre-stimulation with isoproterenol, indicating low cAMP levels in pCMs. In conclusion, we demonstrated that pCMs display an If with the physiological properties expected by pacemaker cells and may thus represent a suitable model for studying human If-related sinus arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Giannetti
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Patrizia Benzoni
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Campostrini
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Raffaella Milanesi
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell'Università 6, 26900, Lodi, Italy
| | - Annalisa Bucchi
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Mirko Baruscotti
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Patrizia Dell'Era
- Cellular Fate Reprogramming Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rossini
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Viale Druso 1, 39100, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbuti
- The Cell Physiology MiLab, Department of Biosciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, 20133, Milano, Italy.
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18
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Isoform-specific regulation of HCN4 channels by a family of endoplasmic reticulum proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:18079-18090. [PMID: 32647060 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006238117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channels in excitable cells function in macromolecular complexes in which auxiliary proteins modulate the biophysical properties of the pore-forming subunits. Hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-sensitive HCN4 channels are critical determinants of membrane excitability in cells throughout the body, including thalamocortical neurons and cardiac pacemaker cells. We previously showed that the properties of HCN4 channels differ dramatically in different cell types, possibly due to the endogenous expression of auxiliary proteins. Here, we report the discovery of a family of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) transmembrane proteins that associate with and modulate HCN4. Lymphoid-restricted membrane protein (LRMP, Jaw1) and inositol trisphosphate receptor-associated guanylate kinase substrate (IRAG, Mrvi1, and Jaw1L) are homologous proteins with small ER luminal domains and large cytoplasmic domains. Despite their homology, LRMP and IRAG have distinct effects on HCN4. LRMP is a loss-of-function modulator that inhibits the canonical depolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of HCN4 in response to the binding of cAMP. In contrast, IRAG causes a gain of HCN4 function by depolarizing the basal voltage dependence in the absence of cAMP. The mechanisms of action of LRMP and IRAG are independent of trafficking and cAMP binding, and they are specific to the HCN4 isoform. We also found that IRAG is highly expressed in the mouse sinoatrial node where computer modeling predicts that its presence increases HCN4 current. Our results suggest important roles for LRMP and IRAG in the regulation of cellular excitability, as tools for advancing mechanistic understanding of HCN4 channel function, and as possible scaffolds for coordination of signaling pathways.
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19
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Porro A, Thiel G, Moroni A, Saponaro A. cyclic AMP Regulation and Its Command in the Pacemaker Channel HCN4. Front Physiol 2020; 11:771. [PMID: 32733276 PMCID: PMC7358946 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct regulation of the pacemaker “funny” current (If) by cyclic AMP (cAMP) underlies heart rate modulation by the autonomic nervous system. At the molecular level, cAMP activates hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels that drive If in sinoatrial node (SAN) myocytes. Even though HCN channel genes were identified more than 20 years ago, the understanding of how cAMP regulates their gating is still fragmented. Here we summarize present understanding on how the cAMP signal is transmitted from the cytosolic to the transmembrane (TM) domain in HCN4. We further discuss how detailed structural knowledge prompted the development of pharmacological/genetic tools for the control of cAMP regulation in these channels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerhard Thiel
- Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Anna Moroni
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Saponaro
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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20
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Abstract
A progressive decline in maximum heart rate (mHR) is a fundamental aspect of aging in humans and other mammals. This decrease in mHR is independent of gender, fitness, and lifestyle, affecting in equal measure women and men, athletes and couch potatoes, spinach eaters and fast food enthusiasts. Importantly, the decline in mHR is the major determinant of the age-dependent decline in aerobic capacity that ultimately limits functional independence for many older individuals. The gradual reduction in mHR with age reflects a slowing of the intrinsic pacemaker activity of the sinoatrial node of the heart, which results from electrical remodeling of individual pacemaker cells along with structural remodeling and a blunted β-adrenergic response. In this review, we summarize current evidence about the tissue, cellular, and molecular mechanisms that underlie the reduction in pacemaker activity with age and highlight key areas for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin H Peters
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA; , ,
| | - Emily J Sharpe
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA; , ,
| | - Catherine Proenza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA; , ,
- Department of Cardiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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21
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Abstract
Cardiac pacemaking is a most fundamental cardiac function, thoroughly investigated for decades with a multiscale approach at organ, tissue, cell and molecular levels, to clarify the basic mechanisms underlying generation and control of cardiac rhythm. Understanding the processes involved in pacemaker activity is of paramount importance for a basic physiological knowledge, but also as a way to reveal details of pathological dysfunctions useful in the perspective of a therapeutic approach. Among the mechanisms involved in pacemaking, the "funny" (If) current has properties most specifically fitting the requirements for generation and control of repetitive activity, and has consequently received the most attention in studies of the pacemaker function. Present knowledge of the basic mechanisms of pacemaking and the properties of funny channels has led to important developments of clinical relevance. These include: (1) the successful development of heart rate-reducing agents, such as ivabradine, able to control cardiac rhythm and useful in the treatment of diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart failure and tachyarrhythmias; (2) the understanding of the genetic basis of disorders of cardiac rhythm caused by HCN channelopathies; (3) the design of strategies to implement biological pacemakers based on transfer of HCN channels or of stem cell-derived pacemaker cells expressing If, with the ultimate goal to replace electronic devices. In this review, I will give a brief historical account of the discovery of the funny current and the development of the concept of If-based pacemaking, in the context of a wider, more complex model of cardiac rhythmic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario DiFrancesco
- Department of Biosciences, University of Milano, IBF-CNR University of Milano Unit, Milan, Italy
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22
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Carmeliet E. Pacemaking in cardiac tissue. From IK2 to a coupled-clock system. Physiol Rep 2019; 7:e13862. [PMID: 30604930 PMCID: PMC6317064 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Initially, diastolic depolarization in Purkinje fibers was explained by deactivation of gK2 in the presence of inward current. Weakness of the hypothesis was a too negative reversal potential, sensitivity to external Na+ ions, existence of K+ depletion, and fake current during hyperpolarizing clamps. The development of a sinus node preparation of almost microscopic dimensions allowing uniform voltage clamps created new possibilities. Three different groups discovered in this improved node preparation an hyperpolarization induced time-dependent inward current, with a reversal potential positive to the resting potential, carried by a mixture of Na+ and K+ ions. A new current, If, or funny current was born. It is not the only pacemaker current. The following sequence of currents (membrane clock) has been proposed: diastole starts as a consequence of IK deactivation and If activation; followed by activation of the T-type Ca2+ current, Ca2+ -induced Ca2+ release from the SR, and activation of sodium-calcium exchange current with further depolarization of the membrane till threshold of the L-type Ca2+ current is reached. The release of Ca2+ can also occur spontaneously independently from a T-type Ca2+ current. The system acts then as a primary intracellular clock. The review is completed by description of an evolution in the direction of biological pacing using induced pluripotent stem cells or transcription factors. See also: https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.13860 & https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.13861.
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23
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Canine and human sinoatrial node: differences and similarities in the structure, function, molecular profiles, and arrhythmia. J Vet Cardiol 2018; 22:2-19. [PMID: 30559056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvc.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is the primary pacemaker in canine and human hearts. The SAN in both species has a unique three-dimensional heterogeneous structure characterized by small pacemaker myocytes enmeshed within fibrotic strands, which partially insulate the cells from aberrant atrial activation. The SAN pacemaker tissue expresses a unique signature of proteins and receptors that mediate SAN automaticity, ion channel currents, and cell-to-cell communication, which are predominantly similar in both species. Recent intramural optical mapping, integrated with structural and molecular studies, has revealed the existence of up to five specialized SAN conduction pathways that preferentially conduct electrical activation to atrial tissues. The intrinsic heart rate, intranodal leading pacemaker shifts, and changes in conduction in response to physiological and pathophysiological stimuli are similar. Structural and/or functional impairments due to cardiac diseases including heart failure cause SAN dysfunctions (SNDs) in both species. These dysfunctions are usually manifested as severe bradycardia, tachy-brady arrhythmias, and conduction abnormalities including exit block and SAN reentry, which could lead to atrial tachycardia and fibrillation, cardiac arrest, and heart failure. Pharmaceutical drugs and implantable pacemakers are only partially successful in managing SNDs, emphasizing a critical need to develop targeted mechanism-based therapies to treat SNDs. Because several structural and functional characteristics are similar between the canine and human SAN, research in these species may be mutually beneficial for developing novel treatment approaches. This review describes structural, functional, and molecular similarities and differences between the canine and human SAN, with special emphasis on arrhythmias and unique causal mechanisms of SND in diseased hearts.
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Kozasa Y, Nakashima N, Ito M, Ishikawa T, Kimoto H, Ushijima K, Makita N, Takano M. HCN4 pacemaker channels attenuate the parasympathetic response and stabilize the spontaneous firing of the sinoatrial node. J Physiol 2018; 596:809-825. [PMID: 29315578 PMCID: PMC5830425 DOI: 10.1113/jp275303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Key points The contribution of HCN4 pacemaker channels in the autonomic regulation of the sino‐atrial node (SAN) has been a matter of debate. The transgenic overexpression of HCN4 did not induce tachycardia, but reduced heart rate variability, while the conditional knockdown of HCN4 gave rise to sinus arrhythmia. The response of the SAN to β‐adrenergic stimulation was not affected by overexpression or knockdown of HCN4 channels. When HCN4 channels were knocked down, the parasympathetic response examined by cervical vagus nerve stimulation (CVNS) was enhanced; the CVNS induced complete sinus pause. The overexpression of HCN4 attenuated bradycardia induced by CVNS only during β‐adrenergic stimulation. We concluded that HCN4 pacemaker channels stabilize the spontaneous firing by attenuating the parasympathetic response of the SAN.
Abstract The heart rate is dynamically controlled by the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems that regulate the sinoatrial node (SAN). HCN4 pacemaker channels are the well‐known causative molecule of congenital sick sinus syndrome. Although HCN4 channels are activated by cAMP, the sympathetic response of the SAN was preserved in patients carrying loss‐of‐function mutations of the HCN4 gene. In order to clarify the contribution of HCN4 channels in the autonomic regulation of the SAN, we developed novel gain‐of‐function mutant mice in which the expression level of HCN4 channels could be reversibly changed from zero to ∼3 times that in wild‐type mice, using tetracycline transactivator and the tetracycline responsive element. We recorded telemetric ECGs in freely moving conscious mice and analysed the heart rate variability. We also evaluated the response of the SAN to cervical vagus nerve stimulation (CVNS). The conditional overexpression of HCN4 did not induce tachycardia, but reduced heart rate variability. The HCN4 overexpression also attenuated bradycardia induced by the CVNS only during the β‐adrenergic stimulation. In contrast, the knockdown of HCN4 gave rise to sinus arrhythmia, and enhanced the parasympathetic response; complete sinus pause was induced by the CVNS. In vitro, we compared the effects of acetylcholine on the spontaneous action potentials of single pacemaker cells, and found that similar phenotypic changes were induced by genetic manipulation of HCN4 expression both in the presence and absence of β‐adrenergic stimulation. Our study suggests that HCN4 channels attenuate the vagal response of the SAN, and thereby stabilize the spontaneous firing of the SAN. The contribution of HCN4 pacemaker channels in the autonomic regulation of the sino‐atrial node (SAN) has been a matter of debate. The transgenic overexpression of HCN4 did not induce tachycardia, but reduced heart rate variability, while the conditional knockdown of HCN4 gave rise to sinus arrhythmia. The response of the SAN to β‐adrenergic stimulation was not affected by overexpression or knockdown of HCN4 channels. When HCN4 channels were knocked down, the parasympathetic response examined by cervical vagus nerve stimulation (CVNS) was enhanced; the CVNS induced complete sinus pause. The overexpression of HCN4 attenuated bradycardia induced by CVNS only during β‐adrenergic stimulation. We concluded that HCN4 pacemaker channels stabilize the spontaneous firing by attenuating the parasympathetic response of the SAN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Kozasa
- Department of Physiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-Machi, Kurume, 830-0011, Japan.,Department of Anesthesiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-Machi, Kurume, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Nakashima
- Department of Physiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-Machi, Kurume, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Masayuki Ito
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Taisuke Ishikawa
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Nagasaki University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kimoto
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Nagasaki University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Kazuo Ushijima
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-Machi, Kurume, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Naomasa Makita
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Nagasaki University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Makoto Takano
- Department of Physiology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-Machi, Kurume, 830-0011, Japan
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Pitcairn E, Harris H, Epiney J, Pai VP, Lemire JM, Ye B, Shi NQ, Levin M, McLaughlin KA. Coordinating heart morphogenesis: A novel role for hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels during cardiogenesis in Xenopus laevis. Commun Integr Biol 2017; 10:e1309488. [PMID: 28702127 PMCID: PMC5501196 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2017.1309488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide gated channel (HCN) proteins are important regulators of both neuronal and cardiac excitability. Among the 4 HCN isoforms, HCN4 is known as a pacemaker channel, because it helps control the periodicity of contractions in vertebrate hearts. Although the physiological role of HCN4 channel has been studied in adult mammalian hearts, an earlier role during embryogenesis has not been clearly established. Here, we probe the embryonic roles of HCN4 channels, providing the first characterization of the expression profile of any of the HCN isoforms during Xenopus laevis development and investigate the consequences of altering HCN4 function on embryonic pattern formation. We demonstrate that both overexpression of HCN4 and injection of dominant-negative HCN4 mRNA during early embryogenesis results in improper expression of key patterning genes and severely malformed hearts. Our results suggest that HCN4 serves to coordinate morphogenetic control factors that provide positional information during heart morphogenesis in Xenopus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Pitcairn
- Department of Biology and Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Hannah Harris
- Department of Biology and Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Justine Epiney
- Department of Biology and Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Vaibhav P Pai
- Department of Biology and Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Joan M Lemire
- Department of Biology and Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Bin Ye
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nian-Qing Shi
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology and Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Kelly A McLaughlin
- Department of Biology and Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
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Zhang D, Wu B, Wang P, Wang Y, Lu P, Nechiporuk T, Floss T, Greally JM, Zheng D, Zhou B. Non-CpG methylation by DNMT3B facilitates REST binding and gene silencing in developing mouse hearts. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:3102-3115. [PMID: 27956497 PMCID: PMC5389556 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkw1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamic interaction of DNA methylation and transcription factor binding in regulating spatiotemporal gene expression is essential for embryogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms remain understudied. In this study, using mouse models and integration of in vitro and in vivo genetic and epigenetic analyses, we show that the binding of REST (repressor element 1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor; also known as NRSF) to its cognate RE1 sequences is temporally regulated by non-CpG methylation. This process is dependent on DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) and leads to suppression of adult cardiac genes in developing hearts. We demonstrate that DNMT3B preferentially mediates non-CpG methylation of REST-targeted genes in the developing heart. Downregulation of DNMT3B results in decreased non-CpG methylation of RE1 sequences, reduced REST occupancy, and consequently release of the transcription suppression during later cardiac development. Together, these findings reveal a critical gene silencing mechanism in developing mammalian hearts that is regulated by the dynamic interaction of DNMT3B-mediated non-CpG methylation and REST binding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghong Zhang
- Departments of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Wilf Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Bingruo Wu
- Departments of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Wilf Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yidong Wang
- Departments of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Wilf Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Pengfei Lu
- Departments of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Wilf Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Tamilla Nechiporuk
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Thomas Floss
- German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - John M. Greally
- Departments of Genetics, Medicine (Hematology), and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Departments of Genetics, Neurology, and Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Bin Zhou
- Departments of Genetics, Pediatrics, and Medicine (Cardiology), Wilf Cardiovascular Research Institute, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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27
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Sawicka KM, Wawryniuk A, Zwolak A, Daniluk J, Szpringer M, Florek-Luszczki M, Drop B, Zolkowska D, Luszczki JJ. Influence of Ivabradine on the Anticonvulsant Action of Four Classical Antiepileptic Drugs Against Maximal Electroshock-Induced Seizures in Mice. Neurochem Res 2017; 42:1038-1043. [PMID: 28083847 PMCID: PMC5375969 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2136-1] [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: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Although the role of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission is still unclear, it is postulated that the HCN channels may be involved in seizure activity. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of ivabradine (an HCN channel inhibitor) on the protective action of four classical antiepileptic drugs (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin and valproate) against maximal electroshock-induced seizures in mice. Tonic seizures (maximal electroconvulsions) were evoked in adult male albino Swiss mice by an electric current (sine-wave, 25 mA, 0.2 s stimulus duration) delivered via auricular electrodes. Acute adverse-effect profiles of the combinations of ivabradine with classical antiepileptic drugs were measured in mice along with total brain antiepileptic drug concentrations. Results indicate that ivabradine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant activity of valproate and considerably reduced that of phenytoin in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure model. Ivabradine (10 mg/kg) had no impact on the anticonvulsant potency of carbamazepine and phenobarbital in the maximal electroshock-induced seizure test in mice. Ivabradine (10 mg/kg) significantly diminished total brain concentration of phenytoin and had no effect on total brain valproate concentration in mice. In conclusion, the enhanced anticonvulsant action of valproate by ivabradine in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced seizure model was pharmacodynamic in nature. A special attention is required when combining ivabradine with phenytoin due to a pharmacokinetic interaction and reduction of the anticonvulsant action of phenytoin in mice. The combinations of ivabradine with carbamazepine and phenobarbital were neutral from a preclinical viewpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dorota Zolkowska
- School of Medicine, University of California-Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
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28
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Novella Romanelli M, Sartiani L, Masi A, Mannaioni G, Manetti D, Mugelli A, Cerbai E. HCN Channels Modulators: The Need for Selectivity. Curr Top Med Chem 2016; 16:1764-91. [PMID: 26975509 PMCID: PMC5374843 DOI: 10.2174/1568026616999160315130832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, the molecular correlate of the hyperpolarization-activated current (If/Ih), are membrane proteins which play an important role in several physiological processes and various pathological conditions. In the Sino Atrial Node (SAN) HCN4 is the target of ivabradine, a bradycardic agent that is, at the moment, the only drug which specifically blocks If. Nevertheless, several other pharmacological agents have been shown to modulate HCN channels, a property that may contribute to their therapeutic activity and/or to their side effects. HCN channels are considered potential targets for developing drugs to treat several important pathologies, but a major issue in this field is the discovery of isoform-selective compounds, owing to the wide distribution of these proteins into the central and peripheral nervous systems, heart and other peripheral tissues. This survey is focused on the compounds that have been shown, or have been designed, to interact with HCN channels and on their binding sites, with the aim to summarize current knowledge and possibly to unveil useful information to design new potent and selective modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Novella Romanelli
- University of Florence, Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child's Health, Section of Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Sciences, via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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29
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Ravagli E, Bucchi A, Bartolucci C, Paina M, Baruscotti M, DiFrancesco D, Severi S. Cell-specific Dynamic Clamp analysis of the role of funny If current in cardiac pacemaking. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2015; 120:50-66. [PMID: 26718599 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
We used the Dynamic Clamp technique for i) comparative validation of conflicting computational models of the hyperpolarization-activated funny current, If, and ii) quantification of the role of If in mediating autonomic modulation of heart rate. Experimental protocols based on the injection of a real-time recalculated synthetic If current in sinoatrial rabbit cells were developed. Preliminary results of experiments mimicking the autonomic modulation of If demonstrated the need for a customization procedure to compensate for cellular heterogeneity. For this reason, we used a cell-specific approach, scaling the maximal conductance of the injected current based on the cell's spontaneous firing rate. The pacemaking rate, which was significantly reduced after application of Ivabradine, was restored by the injection of synthetic current based on the Severi-DiFrancesco formulation, while the injection of synthetic current based on the Maltsev-Lakatta formulation did not produce any significant variation. A positive virtual shift of the If activation curve, mimicking the Isoprenaline effects, led to a significant increase in pacemaking rate (+17.3 ± 6.7%, p < 0.01), although of lower magnitude than that induced by real Isoprenaline (+45.0 ± 26.1%). Similarly, a negative virtual shift of the activation curve significantly lowered the pacemaking rate (-11.8 ± 1.9%, p < 0.001), as did the application of real Acetylcholine (-20.5 ± 5.1%). The Dynamic Clamp approach, applied to the If study in cardiomyocytes for the first time and rate-adapted to manage intercellular variability, indicated that: i) the quantitative description of the If current in the Severi-DiFrancesco model accurately reproduces the effects of the real current on rabbit sinoatrial cell pacemaking rate and ii) a significant portion (50-60%) of the physiological autonomic rate modulation is due to the shift of the If activation curve.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ravagli
- Computational Physiopathology Unit, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering, D.E.I., University of Bologna, Via Venezia 52, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - A Bucchi
- The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - C Bartolucci
- Computational Physiopathology Unit, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering, D.E.I., University of Bologna, Via Venezia 52, 47521 Cesena, Italy
| | - M Paina
- The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - M Baruscotti
- The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - D DiFrancesco
- The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - S Severi
- Computational Physiopathology Unit, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering, D.E.I., University of Bologna, Via Venezia 52, 47521 Cesena, Italy.
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30
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Agudo J, Ruzo A, Park ES, Sweeney R, Kana V, Wu M, Zhao Y, Egli D, Merad M, Brown BD. GFP-specific CD8 T cells enable targeted cell depletion and visualization of T-cell interactions. Nat Biotechnol 2015; 33:1287-1292. [PMID: 26524661 PMCID: PMC4675673 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.3386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
There are numerous cell types with scarcely understood functions, and whose interactions with the immune system are not well characterized. To facilitate their study, we generated a mouse bearing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-specific CD8+ T-cells. Transfer of the T-cells into EGFP reporter animals killed GFP-expressing cells, allowing selective depletion of desired cell types, or interrogation of T-cell interactions with specific populations. Using this system, we eliminate HCN4+ GFP-expressing cells in the heart and elicit their importance in cardiac function. We also show that naïve T-cells are recruited into the mouse brain by antigen-expressing microglia, providing evidence of an immune surveillance pathway in the central nervous system. The just EGFP death-inducing (JEDI) T-cells enable visualization of a T-cell antigen. They also make it possible to utilize hundreds of GFP-expressing mice, tumors, and pathogens, to study T-cell interactions with virtually any cell type, to model disease states, or to determine the functions of poorly characterized cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Agudo
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Albert Ruzo
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Eun Sook Park
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Robert Sweeney
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Veronika Kana
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yong Zhao
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dieter Egli
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Miriam Merad
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Mount Sinai Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brian D Brown
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Mount Sinai Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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31
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Li N, Csepe TA, Hansen BJ, Dobrzynski H, Higgins RSD, Kilic A, Mohler PJ, Janssen PML, Rosen MR, Biesiadecki BJ, Fedorov VV. Molecular Mapping of Sinoatrial Node HCN Channel Expression in the Human Heart. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2015; 8:1219-27. [PMID: 26304511 DOI: 10.1161/circep.115.003070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hyperpolarization-activated current, If, plays an important role in sinoatrial node (SAN) pacemaking. Surprisingly, the distribution of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels in human SAN has only been investigated at the mRNA level. Our aim was to define the expression pattern of HCN proteins in human SAN and different atrial regions. METHODS AND RESULTS Entire SAN complexes were isolated from failing (n=5) and nonfailing (n=9) human hearts cardioplegically arrested in the operating room. Three-dimensional intramural SAN structure was identified as the fibrotic compact region around the SAN artery with Connexin 43-negative pacemaker cardiomyocytes visualized in Masson's trichrome and immunostained cryosections. SAN protein was precisely isolated from the adjacent frozen SAN tissue blocks using a 16G biopsy needle. The purity of the SAN protein was confirmed by Connexin 43 immunoblot. All 3 HCN isoform proteins were detected in SAN. HCN1 was predominantly distributed in the human SAN with a 125.1±40.2 (n=12) expression ratio of SAN to right atrium. HCN2 and HCN4 expression levels were higher in SAN than in atria, with SAN to right atrium ratios of 6.1±0.9 and 4.6±0.6 (n=12), respectively. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to conduct precise 3D molecular mapping of the human SAN by isolating pure pacemaker SAN tissue. All 3 cardiac HCN isoforms had higher expression in the SAN than in the atria. HCN1 was almost exclusively expressed in SAN, emphasizing its utility as a new specific molecular marker of the human SAN and as a potential target of specific treatments intended to modify sinus rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- From the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (N.L., T.A.C., B.J.H., P.J.M., P.M.L.J., B.J.B., V.V.F.), Department of Surgery and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (R.S.D.H., A.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (H.D.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY (M.R.R.)
| | - Thomas A Csepe
- From the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (N.L., T.A.C., B.J.H., P.J.M., P.M.L.J., B.J.B., V.V.F.), Department of Surgery and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (R.S.D.H., A.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (H.D.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY (M.R.R.)
| | - Brian J Hansen
- From the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (N.L., T.A.C., B.J.H., P.J.M., P.M.L.J., B.J.B., V.V.F.), Department of Surgery and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (R.S.D.H., A.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (H.D.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY (M.R.R.)
| | - Halina Dobrzynski
- From the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (N.L., T.A.C., B.J.H., P.J.M., P.M.L.J., B.J.B., V.V.F.), Department of Surgery and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (R.S.D.H., A.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (H.D.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY (M.R.R.)
| | - Robert S D Higgins
- From the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (N.L., T.A.C., B.J.H., P.J.M., P.M.L.J., B.J.B., V.V.F.), Department of Surgery and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (R.S.D.H., A.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (H.D.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY (M.R.R.)
| | - Ahmet Kilic
- From the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (N.L., T.A.C., B.J.H., P.J.M., P.M.L.J., B.J.B., V.V.F.), Department of Surgery and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (R.S.D.H., A.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (H.D.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY (M.R.R.)
| | - Peter J Mohler
- From the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (N.L., T.A.C., B.J.H., P.J.M., P.M.L.J., B.J.B., V.V.F.), Department of Surgery and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (R.S.D.H., A.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (H.D.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY (M.R.R.)
| | - Paul M L Janssen
- From the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (N.L., T.A.C., B.J.H., P.J.M., P.M.L.J., B.J.B., V.V.F.), Department of Surgery and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (R.S.D.H., A.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (H.D.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY (M.R.R.)
| | - Michael R Rosen
- From the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (N.L., T.A.C., B.J.H., P.J.M., P.M.L.J., B.J.B., V.V.F.), Department of Surgery and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (R.S.D.H., A.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (H.D.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY (M.R.R.)
| | - Brandon J Biesiadecki
- From the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (N.L., T.A.C., B.J.H., P.J.M., P.M.L.J., B.J.B., V.V.F.), Department of Surgery and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (R.S.D.H., A.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (H.D.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY (M.R.R.)
| | - Vadim V Fedorov
- From the Department of Physiology & Cell Biology and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (N.L., T.A.C., B.J.H., P.J.M., P.M.L.J., B.J.B., V.V.F.), Department of Surgery and Dorothy M. Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute (R.S.D.H., A.K.), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom (H.D.); and Departments of Pharmacology and Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY (M.R.R.).
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Liang X, Evans SM, Sun Y. Insights into cardiac conduction system formation provided by HCN4 expression. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2015; 25:1-9. [PMID: 25442735 PMCID: PMC5544420 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2014.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Specialized myocytes of the cardiac conduction system (CCS) are essential to coordinate sequential contraction of cardiac atria and ventricles. Anomalies of the CCS can result in lethal cardiac arrhythmias, including sick sinus syndrome and atrial or ventricular fibrillation. To develop future therapies and regenerative medicine aimed at cardiac arrhythmias, it is important to understand formation and function of distinct components of the CCS. Essential to this understanding is the development of CCS-specific markers. In this review, we briefly summarize available mouse models of CCS markers and focus on those involving the hyperpolarization cation-selective nucleotide-gated cation channel, HCN4, which selectively marks all components of the specialized CCS in adult heart. Recent studies have revealed, however, that HCN4 expression during development is highly dynamic in cardiac precursors. These studies have offered insights into the contributions of the first and second heart field to myocyte and conduction system lineages and suggested the timing of allocation of specific conduction system precursors during development. Altogether, they have highlighted the utility of HCN4 as a cell surface marker for distinct components of the CCS at distinct stages of development, which can be utilized to facilitate purification and characterization of CCS precursors in mouse and human model systems and pave the way for regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingqun Liang
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Sylvia M Evans
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA; Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA.
| | - Yunfu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Ivabradine (a hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel blocker) elevates the threshold for maximal electroshock-induced tonic seizures in mice. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 65:1407-14. [PMID: 24399738 DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(13)71500-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ivabradine (a hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channel (HCN) blocker) on the threshold for maximal electroshock (MEST)-induced tonic seizures in mice. METHODS Electroconvulsionswere produced inmice by means of a current (sine-wave, 50Hz, maximum 500 V, strength from 3-10 mA, ear-clip electrodes, 0.2-s stimulus duration, tonic hindlimb extension taken as the endpoint). RESULTS Ivabradine administered intraperitoneally (ip), 60 min before the MEST test, at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, did not alter the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions in mice. In contrast, ivabradine at doses of 15 and 20 mg/kg significantly elevated the threshold for maximal electroconvulsions in mice (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Linear regression analysis of ivabradine doses and their corresponding threshold increases allowed determination of the threshold increasing doses by 20 and 50% (TID20 and TID50 values) that elevate the threshold in drug-treated animals over the threshold in control animals. The experimentally derived TID20 and TID50 values for ivabradine were 8.70 and 18.29 mg/kg, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Based on this preclinical study, one can ascertain that ivabradine dose-dependently increased the threshold for MEST-induced seizures, suggesting the antiseizure activity of the compound in this seizure model in mice.
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I(f) blocking potency of ivabradine is preserved under elevated endotoxin levels in human atrial myocytes. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2014; 72:64-73. [PMID: 24583250 PMCID: PMC4046244 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lower heart rate is associated with better survival in patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), a disease mostly caused by sepsis. The benefits of heart rate reduction by ivabradine during MODS are currently being investigated in the MODIfY clinical trial. Ivabradine is a selective inhibitor of the pacemaker current If and since If is impaired by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin), a trigger of sepsis, we aimed to explore If blocking potency of ivabradine under elevated endotoxin levels in human atrial cardiomyocytes. Treatment of myocytes with S-LPS (containing the lipid A moiety, a core oligosaccharide and an O-polysaccharide chain) but not R595 (an O-chain lacking LPS-form) caused If inhibition under acute and chronic septic conditions. The specific interaction of S-LPS but not R595 to pacemaker channels HCN2 and HCN4 proves the necessity of O-chain for S-LPS–HCN interaction. The efficacy of ivabradine to block If was reduced under septic conditions, an observation that correlated with lower intracellular ivabradine concentrations in S-LPS- but not R595-treated cardiomyocytes. Computational analysis using a sinoatrial pacemaker cell model revealed that despite a reduction of If under septic conditions, ivabradine further decelerated pacemaking activity. This novel finding, i.e. If inhibition by ivabradine under elevated endotoxin levels in vitro, may provide a molecular understanding for the efficacy of this drug on heart rate reduction under septic conditions in vivo, e.g. the MODIfY clinical trial. S-LPS impairs If via interaction of its O-chain to HCN channels. Efficacy of ivabradine for If blockage is reduced under elevated endotoxin levels. S-LPS reduces intracellular ivabradine concentrations. Ivabradine is efficient to decelerate sinoatrial pacemaking activity under septic conditions in silico.
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Pan Y, Bhattarai S, Modestou M, Drack AV, Chetkovich DM, Baker SA. TRIP8b is required for maximal expression of HCN1 in the mouse retina. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85850. [PMID: 24409334 PMCID: PMC3883711 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are cation-selective channels present in retina, brain and heart. The activity of HCN channels contributes to signal integration, cell excitability and pacemaker activity. HCN1 channels expressed in photoreceptors participate in keeping light responses transient and are required for normal mesopic vision. The subcellular localization of HCN1 varies among cell types. In photoreceptors HCN1 is concentrated in the inner segments while in other retinal neurons, HCN1 is evenly distributed though the cell. This is in contrast to hippocampal neurons where HCN1 is concentrated in a subset of dendrites. A key regulator of HCN1 trafficking and activity is tetratricopeptide repeat-containing Rab8b interacting protein (TRIP8b). Multiple splice isoforms of TRIP8b are expressed throughout the brain and can differentially regulate the surface expression and activity of HCN1. The purpose of the present study was to determine which isoforms of TRIP8b are expressed in the retina and to test if loss of TRIP8b alters HCN1 expression or trafficking. We found that TRIP8b colocalizes with HCN1 in multiple retina neurons and all major splice isoforms of TRIP8b are expressed in the retina. Photoreceptors express three different isoforms. In TRIP8b knockout mice, the ability of HCN1 to traffic to the surface of retinal neurons is unaffected. However, there is a large decrease in the total amount of HCN1. We conclude that TRIP8b in the retina is needed to achieve maximal expression of HCN1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Pan
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Sajag Bhattarai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Modestos Modestou
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Arlene V. Drack
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Dane M. Chetkovich
- The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurosciences and Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sheila A. Baker
- Department of Biochemistry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Cardiac functions of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels: role of the pharmacoresistant type (E-/R-Type) in cardiac modulation and putative implication in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 167:115-39. [PMID: 25280639 DOI: 10.1007/112_2014_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (VGCCs) are ubiquitous in excitable cells. These channels play key roles in many physiological events like cardiac regulation/pacemaker activity due to intracellular Ca(2+) transients. In the myocardium, the Cav1 subfamily (L-type: Cav1.2 and Cav1.3) is the main contributor to excitation-contraction coupling and/or pacemaking, whereas the Cav3 subfamily (T-type: Cav3.1 and Cav3.2) is important in rhythmically firing of the cardiac nodal cells. No established cardiac function has been attributed to the Cav2 family (E-/R-type: Cav2.3) despite accumulating evidence of cardiac dysregulation observed upon deletion of the Cav2.3 gene, the only member of this family so far detected in cardiomyocytes. In this review, we summarize the pathophysiological changes observed after ablation of the E-/R-type VGCC and propose a cardiac mechanism of action for this channel. Also, considering the role played by this channel in epilepsy and its reported sensitivity to antiepileptic drugs, a putative involvement of this channel in the cardiac mechanism of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy is also discussed.
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Hashem SI, Lam ML, Mihardja SS, White SM, Lee RJ, Claycomb WC. Shox2 regulates the pacemaker gene program in embryoid bodies. Stem Cells Dev 2013; 22:2915-26. [PMID: 23767866 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The pacemaker tissues of the heart are a complex set of specialized cells that initiate the rhythmic heartbeat. The sinoatrial node (SAN) serves as the primary pacemaker, whereas the atrioventricular node can serve as a subsidiary pacemaker in cases of SAN failure or block. The elucidation of genetic networks regulating the development of these tissues is crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying arrhythmias and for the design of targeted therapies. Here we report temporal and spatial self-organized formation of the pacemaker and contracting tissues in three-dimensional aggregate cultures of mouse embryonic stem cells termed embryoid bodies (EBs). Using genetic marker expression and electrophysiological analyses we demonstrate that in EBs the pacemaker potential originates from a localized population of cells and propagates into the adjacent contracting region forming a functional syncytium. When Shox2, a major determinant of the SAN genetic pathway, was ablated we observed substantial slowing of spontaneous contraction rates and an altered gene expression pattern including downregulation of HCN4, Cx45, Tbx2, Tbx3, and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4); and upregulation of Cx40, Cx43, Nkx2.5, and Tbx5. This phenotype could be rescued by adding BMP4 to Shox2 knockout EBs in culture from days 6 to 16 of differentiation. When wild-type EBs were treated with Noggin, a potent BMP4 inhibitor, we observed a phenotype consistent with the Shox2 knockout EB. Altogether, we have generated a reproducible in vitro model that will be an invaluable tool for studying the molecular pathways regulating the development of cardiac pacemaker tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherin I Hashem
- 1 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans, Louisiana
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Hashem SI, Claycomb WC. Genetic isolation of stem cell-derived pacemaker-nodal cardiac myocytes. Mol Cell Biochem 2013; 383:161-71. [PMID: 23877224 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-013-1764-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the cardiac pacemaker tissues due to genetic defects, acquired diseases, or aging results in arrhythmias. When arrhythmias occur, artificial pacemaker implants are used for treatment. However, the numerous limitations of electronic implants have prompted studies of biological pacemakers that can integrate into the myocardium providing a permanent cure. Embryonic stem (ES) cells cultured as three-dimensional (3D) spheroid aggregates termed embryoid bodies possess the ability to generate all cardiac myocyte subtypes. Here, we report the use of a SHOX2 promoter and a Cx30.2 enhancer to genetically identify and isolate ES cell-derived sinoatrial node (SAN) and atrioventricular node (AVN) cells, respectively. The ES cell-derived Shox2 and Cx30.2 cardiac myocytes exhibit a spider cell morphology and high intracellular calcium loading characteristic of pacemaker-nodal myocytes. These cells express abundant levels of pacemaker genes such as endogenous HCN4, Cx45, Cx30.2, Tbx2, and Tbx3. These cells were passaged, frozen, and thawed multiple times while maintaining their pacemaker-nodal phenotype. When cultured as 3D aggregates in an attempt to create a critical mass that simulates in vivo architecture, these cell lines exhibited an increase in the expression level of key regulators of cardiovascular development, such as GATA4 and GATA6 transcription factors. In addition, the aggregate culture system resulted in an increase in the expression level of several ion channels that play a major role in the spontaneous diastolic depolarization characteristic of pacemaker cells. We have isolated pure populations of SAN and AVN cells that will be useful tools for generating biological pacemakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherin I Hashem
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1901 Perdido Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
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Remme CA. Transgenic models of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Front Physiol 2013; 4:60. [PMID: 23544029 PMCID: PMC3610080 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2013.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carol Ann Remme
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Deng X, Guan C, Wang Y, Zhang B, Li S, Sun G, Hao L, Li G. Identification and detection of the isolated sinus venosus from the Asian toad. Cell Biochem Funct 2013; 31:660-7. [PMID: 23348247 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.2952] [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: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The pacemaker activity of mammalian sinoatrial node (SAN) of the heart plays a fundamental role in the integration of vital functions. Studying factors such as drugs that influence pacemaker activity of SAN has its significance. In this study, we isolated sinus venosus, SAN from toads (Bufo gargarizans), and analysed its electronic signal, histological characteristics and the influence of acetylcholine (ACh) and ivabradine on its pacemaker activity using PowerLab® and Chart® 5.0 software. We found that when isolated sinus venosus was treated with ACh, its histological distribution was disorganized and inter-beat (RR) interval was also broadened. The high frequency normalized unit (HFnu) and Poincaré plot of heart rate variability (HRV) of the isolated sinus venosus was also altered upon ACh treatment in a time-dependent and dose-dependent manner. When treated with ivabradine, these parameters of HRV such as square root of the mean of the squared differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD) and HFnu were in the upward tendency, but low frequency normalized unit and low frequency/high frequency were in the opposite tendency. Taken together, we have developed a new model for studying the influences of drugs on autorhythmicity using isolated sinus venosus of the toad. With this model, we showed that ACh and ivabradine may affect the pacemaker activity by stimulating muscarinic receptor or inhibiting If current, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Deng
- The Experimental Center of Functional Subjects, College of Basic Medical Scientific Research, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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