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Hernández-Domínguez RA, Herrera-Orozco JF, Salazar-Calderón GE, Chávez-Canales M, Márquez MF, González-Álvarez F, Armando TS, Reyes-Cruz T, Lip F, Aceves-Buendía JJ. Optogenetic modulation of cardiac autonomic nervous system. Auton Neurosci 2024; 255:103199. [PMID: 39059299 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2024.103199] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The following is a narrative review of the fundamentals of optogenetics. It focuses on the advantages and constraints of manipulating the autonomic nervous system by modifying the pathophysiological characteristics that arise in different diseases. Although the use of this technique is currently experimental, we will discuss improvements that have been implemented and identify the necessary measures for potential preclinical translation in the control of the cardiac autonomic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramon A Hernández-Domínguez
- Electrocardiology Department, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano 1 Belisario Domínguez secc. 16 Tlalpan CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico; Surgery Department, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad Dr. Juan Graham Casasús, Calle Uno S/N, Miguel Hidalgo III Etapa, Villahermosa, 86126, Tabasco, Mexico
| | - Jorge F Herrera-Orozco
- Electrocardiology Department, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano 1 Belisario Domínguez secc. 16 Tlalpan CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe E Salazar-Calderón
- Neurology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15 Belisario Domínguez, Secc. 16, Tlalpan CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María Chávez-Canales
- Unidad de Investigación UNAM-INC, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Tlalpan 14080, Ciudad de México Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad, Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán 04510, México
| | - Manlio F Márquez
- Electrocardiology Department, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano 1 Belisario Domínguez secc. 16 Tlalpan CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Felipe González-Álvarez
- Neurology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15 Belisario Domínguez, Secc. 16, Tlalpan CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Totomoch-Serra Armando
- Electrocardiology Department, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Juan Badiano 1 Belisario Domínguez secc. 16 Tlalpan CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Tania Reyes-Cruz
- Microbiology Laboratory, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco, Calzada del Hueso 1100 Villa Quietud Coyoacán CP 04960, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Finn Lip
- Neurology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15 Belisario Domínguez, Secc. 16, Tlalpan CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José J Aceves-Buendía
- Neurology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Vasco de Quiroga 15 Belisario Domínguez, Secc. 16, Tlalpan CP 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
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2
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Mather M. The emotion paradox in the aging body and brain. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1536:13-41. [PMID: 38676452 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
With age, parasympathetic activity decreases, while sympathetic activity increases. Thus, the typical older adult has low heart rate variability (HRV) and high noradrenaline levels. Younger adults with this physiological profile tend to be unhappy and stressed. Yet, with age, emotional experience tends to improve. Why does older adults' emotional well-being not suffer as their HRV decreases? To address this apparent paradox, I present the autonomic compensation model. In this model, failing organs, the initial phases of Alzheimer's pathology, and other age-related diseases trigger noradrenergic hyperactivity. To compensate, older brains increase autonomic regulatory activity in the pregenual prefrontal cortex (PFC). Age-related declines in nerve conduction reduce the ability of the pregenual PFC to reduce hyperactive noradrenergic activity and increase peripheral HRV. But these pregenual PFC autonomic compensation efforts have a significant impact in the brain, where they bias processing in favor of stimuli that tend to increase parasympathetic activity (e.g., stimuli that increase feelings of safety) and against stimuli that tend to increase sympathetic activity (e.g., threatening stimuli). In summary, the autonomic compensation model posits that age-related chronic sympathetic/noradrenergic hyperactivity stimulates regulatory attempts that have the side effect of enhancing emotional well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Mather
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Department of Psychology, and Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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3
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Habecker BA, Bers DM, Birren SJ, Chang R, Herring N, Kay MW, Li D, Mendelowitz D, Mongillo M, Montgomery JM, Ripplinger CM, Tampakakis E, Winbo A, Zaglia T, Zeltner N, Paterson DJ. Molecular and cellular neurocardiology in heart disease. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 38778747 DOI: 10.1113/jp284739] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This paper updates and builds on a previous White Paper in this journal that some of us contributed to concerning the molecular and cellular basis of cardiac neurobiology of heart disease. Here we focus on recent findings that underpin cardiac autonomic development, novel intracellular pathways and neuroplasticity. Throughout we highlight unanswered questions and areas of controversy. Whilst some neurochemical pathways are already demonstrating prognostic viability in patients with heart failure, we also discuss the opportunity to better understand sympathetic impairment by using patient specific stem cells that provides pathophysiological contextualization to study 'disease in a dish'. Novel imaging techniques and spatial transcriptomics are also facilitating a road map for target discovery of molecular pathways that may form a therapeutic opportunity to treat cardiac dysautonomia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Habecker
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Department of Medicine Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Donald M Bers
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Susan J Birren
- Department of Biology, Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Rui Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Neil Herring
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Matthew W Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - David Mendelowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology and Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Crystal M Ripplinger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Annika Winbo
- Department of Physiology and Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Tania Zaglia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Nadja Zeltner
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - David J Paterson
- Burdon Sanderson Cardiac Science Centre and BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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4
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Baines O, Sha R, Kalla M, Holmes AP, Efimov IR, Pavlovic D, O’Shea C. Optical mapping and optogenetics in cardiac electrophysiology research and therapy: a state-of-the-art review. Europace 2024; 26:euae017. [PMID: 38227822 PMCID: PMC10847904 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
State-of-the-art innovations in optical cardiac electrophysiology are significantly enhancing cardiac research. A potential leap into patient care is now on the horizon. Optical mapping, using fluorescent probes and high-speed cameras, offers detailed insights into cardiac activity and arrhythmias by analysing electrical signals, calcium dynamics, and metabolism. Optogenetics utilizes light-sensitive ion channels and pumps to realize contactless, cell-selective cardiac actuation for modelling arrhythmia, restoring sinus rhythm, and probing complex cell-cell interactions. The merging of optogenetics and optical mapping techniques for 'all-optical' electrophysiology marks a significant step forward. This combination allows for the contactless actuation and sensing of cardiac electrophysiology, offering unprecedented spatial-temporal resolution and control. Recent studies have performed all-optical imaging ex vivo and achieved reliable optogenetic pacing in vivo, narrowing the gap for clinical use. Progress in optical electrophysiology continues at pace. Advances in motion tracking methods are removing the necessity of motion uncoupling, a key limitation of optical mapping. Innovations in optoelectronics, including miniaturized, biocompatible illumination and circuitry, are enabling the creation of implantable cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators with optoelectrical closed-loop systems. Computational modelling and machine learning are emerging as pivotal tools in enhancing optical techniques, offering new avenues for analysing complex data and optimizing therapeutic strategies. However, key challenges remain including opsin delivery, real-time data processing, longevity, and chronic effects of optoelectronic devices. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in optical mapping and optogenetics and outlines the promising future of optics in reshaping cardiac electrophysiology and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Baines
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Rina Sha
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Manish Kalla
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andrew P Holmes
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Igor R Efimov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Davor Pavlovic
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Christopher O’Shea
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Science, University of Birmingham, Edgbastion, Wolfson Drive, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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5
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Leemann S, Schneider-Warme F, Kleinlogel S. Cardiac optogenetics: shining light on signaling pathways. Pflugers Arch 2023; 475:1421-1437. [PMID: 38097805 PMCID: PMC10730638 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-023-02892-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
In the early 2000s, the field of neuroscience experienced a groundbreaking transformation with the advent of optogenetics. This innovative technique harnesses the properties of naturally occurring and genetically engineered rhodopsins to confer light sensitivity upon target cells. The remarkable spatiotemporal precision offered by optogenetics has provided researchers with unprecedented opportunities to dissect cellular physiology, leading to an entirely new level of investigation. Initially revolutionizing neuroscience, optogenetics quickly piqued the interest of the wider scientific community, and optogenetic applications were expanded to cardiovascular research. Over the past decade, researchers have employed various optical tools to observe, regulate, and steer the membrane potential of excitable cells in the heart. Despite these advancements, achieving control over specific signaling pathways within the heart has remained an elusive goal. Here, we review the optogenetic tools suitable to control cardiac signaling pathways with a focus on GPCR signaling, and delineate potential applications for studying these pathways, both in healthy and diseased hearts. By shedding light on these exciting developments, we hope to contribute to the ongoing progress in basic cardiac research to facilitate the discovery of novel therapeutic possibilities for treating cardiovascular pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Leemann
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Schneider-Warme
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg - Bad Krozingen, and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Kleinlogel
- Institute of Physiology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Translational Medicine Neuroscience, Basel, Switzerland
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Chen Z, Nguyen K, Kowalik G, Shi X, Tian J, Doshi M, Alber BR, Guan X, Liu X, Ning X, Kay MW, Lu L. Transparent and Stretchable Au─Ag Nanowire Recording Microelectrode Arrays. ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES 2023; 8:2201716. [PMID: 38644939 PMCID: PMC11031257 DOI: 10.1002/admt.202201716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Transparent microelectrodes have received much attention from the biomedical community due to their unique advantages in concurrent crosstalk-free electrical and optical interrogation of cell/tissue activity. Despite recent progress in constructing transparent microelectrodes, a major challenge is to simultaneously achieve desirable mechanical stretchability, optical transparency, electrochemical performance, and chemical stability for high-fidelity, conformal, and stable interfacing with soft tissue/organ systems. To address this challenge, we have designed microelectrode arrays (MEAs) with gold-coated silver nanowires (Au─Ag NWs) by combining technical advances in materials, fabrication, and mechanics. The Au coating improves both the chemical stability and electrochemical impedance of the Au─Ag NW microelectrodes with only slight changes in optical properties. The MEAs exhibit a high optical transparency >80% at 550 nm, a low normalized 1 kHz electrochemical impedance of 1.2-7.5 Ω cm2, stable chemical and electromechanical performance after exposure to oxygen plasma for 5 min, and cyclic stretching for 600 cycles at 20% strain, superior to other transparent microelectrode alternatives. The MEAs easily conform to curvilinear heart surfaces for colocalized electrophysiological and optical mapping of cardiac function. This work demonstrates that stretchable transparent metal nanowire MEAs are promising candidates for diverse biomedical science and engineering applications, particularly under mechanically dynamic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Khanh Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Grant Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Xinyu Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Jinbi Tian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Mitansh Doshi
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Bridget R Alber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Xun Guan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Xitong Liu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Xin Ning
- Department of Aerospace Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Matthew W Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Luyao Lu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
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7
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Rodriguez J, Escobar JB, Cheung EC, Kowalik G, Russo R, Dyavanapalli J, Alber BR, Harral G, Gill A, Melkie M, Jain V, Schunke KJ, Mendelowitz D, Kay MW. Hypothalamic Oxytocin Neuron Activation Attenuates Intermittent Hypoxia-Induced Hypertension and Cardiac Dysfunction in an Animal Model of Sleep Apnea. Hypertension 2023; 80:882-894. [PMID: 36794581 PMCID: PMC10027399 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.20149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent and poorly treated cardiovascular disease that leads to hypertension and autonomic imbalance. Recent studies that restore cardiac parasympathetic tone using selective activation of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons have shown beneficial cardiovascular outcomes in animal models of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to determine if chemogenetic activation of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons in animals with existing obstructive sleep apnea-induced hypertension would reverse or blunt the progression of autonomic and cardiovascular dysfunction. METHODS Two groups of rats were exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), a model of obstructive sleep apnea, for 4 weeks to induce hypertension. During an additional 4 weeks of exposure to CIH, 1 group was treated with selective activation of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons while the other group was untreated. RESULTS Hypertensive animals exposed to CIH and treated with daily hypothalamic oxytocin neuron activation had lower blood pressure, faster heart rate recovery times after exercise, and improved indices of cardiac function compared with untreated hypertensive animals. Microarray analysis suggested that, compared with treated animals, untreated animals had gene expression profiles associated with cellular stress response activation, hypoxia-inducible factor stabilization, and myocardial extracellular matrix remodeling and fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS In animals already presenting with CIH-induced hypertension, chronic activation of hypothalamic oxytocin neurons blunted the progression of hypertension and conferred cardioprotection after an additional 4 weeks of CIH exposure. These results have significant clinical translation for the treatment of cardiovascular disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Rodriguez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (J.R., E.C.C., G.K., R.R., B.R.A., G.H., A.G., M.M., K.J.S., M.W.K.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Joan B Escobar
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology (J.B.E., E.C.C., J.D., D.M.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Emily C Cheung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (J.R., E.C.C., G.K., R.R., B.R.A., G.H., A.G., M.M., K.J.S., M.W.K.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology (J.B.E., E.C.C., J.D., D.M.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Grant Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (J.R., E.C.C., G.K., R.R., B.R.A., G.H., A.G., M.M., K.J.S., M.W.K.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Rebekah Russo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (J.R., E.C.C., G.K., R.R., B.R.A., G.H., A.G., M.M., K.J.S., M.W.K.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Jhansi Dyavanapalli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology (J.B.E., E.C.C., J.D., D.M.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Bridget R Alber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (J.R., E.C.C., G.K., R.R., B.R.A., G.H., A.G., M.M., K.J.S., M.W.K.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Grey Harral
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (J.R., E.C.C., G.K., R.R., B.R.A., G.H., A.G., M.M., K.J.S., M.W.K.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Aman Gill
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (J.R., E.C.C., G.K., R.R., B.R.A., G.H., A.G., M.M., K.J.S., M.W.K.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Makeda Melkie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (J.R., E.C.C., G.K., R.R., B.R.A., G.H., A.G., M.M., K.J.S., M.W.K.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Vivek Jain
- Department of Medicine (V.J.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Kathryn J Schunke
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (J.R., E.C.C., G.K., R.R., B.R.A., G.H., A.G., M.M., K.J.S., M.W.K.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry & Physiology, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI (K.J.S.)
| | - David Mendelowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology (J.B.E., E.C.C., J.D., D.M.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Matthew W Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering (J.R., E.C.C., G.K., R.R., B.R.A., G.H., A.G., M.M., K.J.S., M.W.K.), The George Washington University, Washington, DC
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Ripplinger CM, Glukhov AV, Kay MW, Boukens BJ, Chiamvimonvat N, Delisle BP, Fabritz L, Hund TJ, Knollmann BC, Li N, Murray KT, Poelzing S, Quinn TA, Remme CA, Rentschler SL, Rose RA, Posnack NG. Guidelines for assessment of cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias in small animals. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H1137-H1166. [PMID: 36269644 PMCID: PMC9678409 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00439.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although recent advances in cell-based models, including human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM), are contributing to our understanding of electrophysiology and arrhythmia mechanisms, preclinical animal studies of cardiovascular disease remain a mainstay. Over the past several decades, animal models of cardiovascular disease have advanced our understanding of pathological remodeling, arrhythmia mechanisms, and drug effects and have led to major improvements in pacing and defibrillation therapies. There exist a variety of methodological approaches for the assessment of cardiac electrophysiology and a plethora of parameters may be assessed with each approach. This guidelines article will provide an overview of the strengths and limitations of several common techniques used to assess electrophysiology and arrhythmia mechanisms at the whole animal, whole heart, and tissue level with a focus on small animal models. We also define key electrophysiological parameters that should be assessed, along with their physiological underpinnings, and the best methods with which to assess these parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal M Ripplinger
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Alexey V Glukhov
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Matthew W Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Bastiaan J Boukens
- Department Physiology, University Maastricht, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nipavan Chiamvimonvat
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
- Veterans Affairs Northern California Healthcare System, Mather, California
| | - Brian P Delisle
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Larissa Fabritz
- University Center of Cardiovascular Science, University Heart and Vascular Center, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf with DZHK Hamburg/Kiel/Luebeck, Germany
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas J Hund
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Bjorn C Knollmann
- Vanderbilt Center for Arrhythmia Research and Therapeutics, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Na Li
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Katherine T Murray
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Steven Poelzing
- Virginia Tech Carilon School of Medicine, Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - T Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Carol Ann Remme
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Heart Centre, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure and Arrhythmias Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stacey L Rentschler
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Robert A Rose
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nikki G Posnack
- Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, District of Columbia
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, District of Columbia
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Emiliani V, Entcheva E, Hedrich R, Hegemann P, Konrad KR, Lüscher C, Mahn M, Pan ZH, Sims RR, Vierock J, Yizhar O. Optogenetics for light control of biological systems. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2022; 2:55. [PMID: 37933248 PMCID: PMC10627578 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00136-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques have been developed to allow control over the activity of selected cells within a highly heterogeneous tissue, using a combination of genetic engineering and light. Optogenetics employs natural and engineered photoreceptors, mostly of microbial origin, to be genetically introduced into the cells of interest. As a result, cells that are naturally light-insensitive can be made photosensitive and addressable by illumination and precisely controllable in time and space. The selectivity of expression and subcellular targeting in the host is enabled by applying control elements such as promoters, enhancers and specific targeting sequences to the employed photoreceptor-encoding DNA. This powerful approach allows precise characterization and manipulation of cellular functions and has motivated the development of advanced optical methods for patterned photostimulation. Optogenetics has revolutionized neuroscience during the past 15 years and is primed to have a similar impact in other fields, including cardiology, cell biology and plant sciences. In this Primer, we describe the principles of optogenetics, review the most commonly used optogenetic tools, illumination approaches and scientific applications and discuss the possibilities and limitations associated with optogenetic manipulations across a wide variety of optical techniques, cells, circuits and organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Emiliani
- Wavefront Engineering Microscopy Group, Photonics Department, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Emilia Entcheva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rainer Hedrich
- Julius-von-Sachs Institute for Biosciences, Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hegemann
- Institute for Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kai R. Konrad
- Julius-von-Sachs Institute for Biosciences, Molecular Plant Physiology and Biophysics, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Christian Lüscher
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Clinic of Neurology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mathias Mahn
- Department of Neurobiology, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Zhuo-Hua Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ruth R. Sims
- Wavefront Engineering Microscopy Group, Photonics Department, Institut de la Vision, Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Johannes Vierock
- Institute for Biology, Experimental Biophysics, Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité – Universitaetsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ofer Yizhar
- Departments of Brain Sciences and Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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10
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Tang Y, Du X, Sun S, Shi W, Han Y, Zhou W, Zhang J, Teng S, Ren P, Liu G. Circadian Rhythm and Neurotransmitters Are Potential Pathways through Which Ocean Acidification and Warming Affect the Metabolism of Thick-Shell Mussels. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:4324-4335. [PMID: 35293730 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although the impacts of ocean acidification and warming on marine organisms have been increasingly documented, little is known about the affecting mechanism underpinning their interactive impacts on physiological processes such as metabolism. Therefore, the effects of these two stressors on metabolism were investigated in thick-shell mussel Mytilus coruscus in this study. In addition, because metabolism is primarily regulated by circadian rhythm and neurotransmitters, the impacts of acidification and warming on these two regulatory processes were also analyzed. The data obtained demonstrated that the metabolism of mussels (indicated by the clearance rate, oxygen consumption rate, ammonia excretion rate, O:N ratio, ATP content, activity of pyruvate kinase, and expression of metabolism-related genes) were significantly affected by acidification and warming, resulting in a shortage of energy supply (indicated by the in vivo content of ATP). In addition, exposure to acidification and warming led to evident disruption in circadian rhythm (indicated by the heartrate and the expression rhythm of Per2, Cry, and BMAL1) and neurotransmitters (indicated by the activity of acetyl cholinesterase and in vivo contents of ACh, GABA, and DA). These findings suggest that circadian rhythms and neurotransmitters might be potential routes through which acidification and warming interactively affect the metabolism of mussels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Xueying Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Shuge Sun
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Wei Shi
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Yu Han
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Weishang Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | - Jiongming Zhang
- Zhejiang Mariculture Research Institute, Wenzhou 325005, P.R. China
| | | | - Peng Ren
- Zhejiang Mariculture Research Institute, Wenzhou 325005, P.R. China
| | - Guangxu Liu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
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11
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Cokić M, Bruegmann T, Sasse P, Malan D. Optogenetic Stimulation of G i Signaling Enables Instantaneous Modulation of Cardiomyocyte Pacemaking. Front Physiol 2022; 12:768495. [PMID: 34987414 PMCID: PMC8721037 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.768495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
G-protein signaling pathways are central in the regulation of cardiac function in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Their functional analysis through optogenetic techniques with selective expression of opsin proteins and activation by specific wavelengths allows high spatial and temporal precision. Here, we present the application of long wavelength-sensitive cone opsin (LWO) in cardiomyocytes for activation of the Gi signaling pathway by red light. Murine embryonic stem (ES) cells expressing LWO were generated and differentiated into beating cardiomyocytes in embryoid bodies (EBs). Illumination with red light (625 nm) led to an instantaneous decrease up to complete inhibition (84–99% effectivity) of spontaneous beating, but had no effect on control EBs. By using increasing light intensities with 10 s pulses, we determined a half maximal effective light intensity of 2.4 μW/mm2 and a maximum effect at 100 μW/mm2. Pre-incubation of LWO EBs with pertussis toxin completely inhibited the light effect proving the specificity for Gi signaling. Frequency reduction was mainly due to the activation of GIRK channels because the specific channel blocker tertiapin reduced the light effect by ~80%. Compared with pharmacological stimulation of M2 receptors with carbachol with slow kinetics (>30 s), illumination of LWO had an identical efficacy, but much faster kinetics (<1 s) in the activation and deactivation demonstrating the temporal advantage of optogenetic stimulation. Thus, LWO is an effective optogenetic tool for selective stimulation of the Gi signaling cascade in cardiomyocytes with red light, providing high temporal precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Cokić
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias Bruegmann
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Research Training Group 1873, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Sasse
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Daniela Malan
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Physiology I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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12
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Dokshokova L, Pianca N, Zaglia T, Mongillo M. Optogenetic Control of Heart Rhythm: Lightly Guiding the Cardiac Pace. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2483:205-229. [PMID: 35286678 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2245-2_13] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
It is well appreciated that, differently from skeletal muscles, the heart contracts independently from neurogenic inputs. However, the speed and force of heartbeats are finely modulated during stresses, emotions, and daily activities, by the autonomic neurons (both parasympathetic and sympathetic) which highly innervate the myocardium. Despite this aspect of cardiac physiology has been known for long, research has only recently shed light on the biophysical mechanisms underlying the meticulous adaptation of heart activity to the needs of the organism. A conceptual advancement in this regard has come from the use of optogenetics, a revolutionary methodology which allows to control the activity of a given excitable cell type, with high specificity, temporal and spatial resolution, within intact tissues and organisms. The method, widely affirmed in the field of neuroscience, has more recently been exploited also in research on heart physiology and pathology, including the study of the mechanisms regulating heart rhythm. The last point is the object of this book chapter which, starting from the description of the physiology of heart rhythm automaticity and the neurogenic modulation of heart rate, makes an excursus on the theoretical basis of such biotechnology (with its advantages and limitations), and presents a series of examples in cardiac and neuro-cardiac optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lolita Dokshokova
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Pianca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Tania Zaglia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy.
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy.
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13
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Kay MW, Jain V, Panjrath G, Mendelowitz D. Targeting Parasympathetic Activity to Improve Autonomic Tone and Clinical Outcomes. Physiology (Bethesda) 2022; 37:39-45. [PMID: 34486396 PMCID: PMC8742722 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00023.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review we will briefly summarize the evidence that autonomic imbalance, more specifically reduced parasympathetic activity to the heart, generates and/or maintains many cardiorespiratory diseases and will discuss mechanisms and sites, from myocytes to the brain, that are potential translational targets for restoring parasympathetic activity and improving cardiorespiratory health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W. Kay
- 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Vivek Jain
- 2Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Gurusher Panjrath
- 3Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - David Mendelowitz
- 4Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
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14
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Müllenbroich MC, Kelly A, Acker C, Bub G, Bruegmann T, Di Bona A, Entcheva E, Ferrantini C, Kohl P, Lehnart SE, Mongillo M, Parmeggiani C, Richter C, Sasse P, Zaglia T, Sacconi L, Smith GL. Novel Optics-Based Approaches for Cardiac Electrophysiology: A Review. Front Physiol 2021; 12:769586. [PMID: 34867476 PMCID: PMC8637189 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.769586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Optical techniques for recording and manipulating cellular electrophysiology have advanced rapidly in just a few decades. These developments allow for the analysis of cardiac cellular dynamics at multiple scales while largely overcoming the drawbacks associated with the use of electrodes. The recent advent of optogenetics opens up new possibilities for regional and tissue-level electrophysiological control and hold promise for future novel clinical applications. This article, which emerged from the international NOTICE workshop in 2018, reviews the state-of-the-art optical techniques used for cardiac electrophysiological research and the underlying biophysics. The design and performance of optical reporters and optogenetic actuators are reviewed along with limitations of current probes. The physics of light interaction with cardiac tissue is detailed and associated challenges with the use of optical sensors and actuators are presented. Case studies include the use of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and super-resolution microscopy to explore the micro-structure of cardiac cells and a review of two photon and light sheet technologies applied to cardiac tissue. The emergence of cardiac optogenetics is reviewed and the current work exploring the potential clinical use of optogenetics is also described. Approaches which combine optogenetic manipulation and optical voltage measurement are discussed, in terms of platforms that allow real-time manipulation of whole heart electrophysiology in open and closed-loop systems to study optimal ways to terminate spiral arrhythmias. The design and operation of optics-based approaches that allow high-throughput cardiac electrophysiological assays is presented. Finally, emerging techniques of photo-acoustic imaging and stress sensors are described along with strategies for future development and establishment of these techniques in mainstream electrophysiological research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allen Kelly
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Corey Acker
- Center for Cell Analysis and Modeling, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Gil Bub
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Tobias Bruegmann
- Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Anna Di Bona
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Emilia Entcheva
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Peter Kohl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stephan E. Lehnart
- Heart Research Center Göttingen, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells” (MBExC), University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Richter
- German Primate Center - Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Sasse
- Institute of Physiology I, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tania Zaglia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sacconi
- European Laboratory for Nonlinear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center and Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Florence, Italy
| | - Godfrey L. Smith
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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15
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Stoyek MR, Hortells L, Quinn TA. From Mice to Mainframes: Experimental Models for Investigation of the Intracardiac Nervous System. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:149. [PMID: 34821702 PMCID: PMC8620975 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8110149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The intracardiac nervous system (IcNS), sometimes referred to as the "little brain" of the heart, is involved in modulating many aspects of cardiac physiology. In recent years our fundamental understanding of autonomic control of the heart has drastically improved, and the IcNS is increasingly being viewed as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease. However, investigations of the physiology and specific roles of intracardiac neurons within the neural circuitry mediating cardiac control has been hampered by an incomplete knowledge of the anatomical organisation of the IcNS. A more thorough understanding of the IcNS is hoped to promote the development of new, highly targeted therapies to modulate IcNS activity in cardiovascular disease. In this paper, we first provide an overview of IcNS anatomy and function derived from experiments in mammals. We then provide descriptions of alternate experimental models for investigation of the IcNS, focusing on a non-mammalian model (zebrafish), neuron-cardiomyocyte co-cultures, and computational models to demonstrate how the similarity of the relevant processes in each model can help to further our understanding of the IcNS in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Stoyek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS 15000, Canada;
| | - Luis Hortells
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Centre Freiburg–Bad Krozingen, 79110 Freiburg, Germany;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - T. Alexander Quinn
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS 15000, Canada;
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS 15000, Canada
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16
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Ördög B, Teplenin A, De Coster T, Bart CI, Dekker SO, Zhang J, Ypey DL, de Vries AAF, Pijnappels DA. The Effects of Repetitive Use and Pathological Remodeling on Channelrhodopsin Function in Cardiomyocytes. Front Physiol 2021; 12:710020. [PMID: 34539432 PMCID: PMC8448166 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.710020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Channelrhodopsins (ChRs) are a large family of light-gated ion channels with distinct properties, which is of great importance in the selection of a ChR variant for a given application. However, data to guide such selection for cardiac optogenetic applications are lacking. Therefore, we investigated the functioning of different ChR variants in normal and pathological hypertrophic cardiomyocytes subjected to various illumination protocols. Methods and Results: Isolated neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVMs) were transduced with lentiviral vectors to express one of the following ChR variants: H134R, CatCh, ReaChR, or GtACR1. NRVMs were treated with phenylephrine (PE) to induce pathological hypertrophy (PE group) or left untreated [control (CTL) group]. In these groups, ChR currents displayed unique and significantly different properties for each ChR variant on activation by a single 1-s light pulse (1 mW/mm2: 470, 565, or 617 nm). The concomitant membrane potential (Vm) responses also showed a ChR variant-specific profile, with GtACR1 causing a slight increase in average Vm during illumination (Vplateau: −38 mV) as compared with a Vplateau > −20 mV for the other ChR variants. On repetitive activation at increasing frequencies (10-ms pulses at 1–10 Hz for 30 s), peak currents, which are important for cardiac pacing, decreased with increasing activation frequencies by 17–78% (p < 0.05), while plateau currents, which are critical for arrhythmia termination, decreased by 10–75% (p < 0.05), both in a variant-specific manner. In contrast, the corresponding Vplateau remained largely stable. Importantly, current properties and Vm responses were not statistically different between the PE and CTL groups, irrespective of the variant used (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our data show that ChR variants function equally well in cell culture models of healthy and pathologically hypertrophic myocardium but show strong, variant-specific use-dependence. This use-dependent nature of ChR function should be taken into account during the design of cardiac optogenetic studies and the interpretation of the experimental findings thereof.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Ördög
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alexander Teplenin
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Tim De Coster
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Cindy I Bart
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Sven O Dekker
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Juan Zhang
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dirk L Ypey
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Antoine A F de Vries
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Daniël A Pijnappels
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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17
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Scalco A, Moro N, Mongillo M, Zaglia T. Neurohumoral Cardiac Regulation: Optogenetics Gets Into the Groove. Front Physiol 2021; 12:726895. [PMID: 34531763 PMCID: PMC8438220 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.726895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) is the main modulator of heart function, adapting contraction force, and rate to the continuous variations of intrinsic and extrinsic environmental conditions. While the parasympathetic branch dominates during rest-and-digest sympathetic neuron (SN) activation ensures the rapid, efficient, and repeatable increase of heart performance, e.g., during the "fight-or-flight response." Although the key role of the nervous system in cardiac homeostasis was evident to the eyes of physiologists and cardiologists, the degree of cardiac innervation, and the complexity of its circuits has remained underestimated for too long. In addition, the mechanisms allowing elevated efficiency and precision of neurogenic control of heart function have somehow lingered in the dark. This can be ascribed to the absence of methods adequate to study complex cardiac electric circuits in the unceasingly moving heart. An increasing number of studies adds to the scenario the evidence of an intracardiac neuron system, which, together with the autonomic components, define a little brain inside the heart, in fervent dialogue with the central nervous system (CNS). The advent of optogenetics, allowing control the activity of excitable cells with cell specificity, spatial selectivity, and temporal resolution, has allowed to shed light on basic neuro-cardiology. This review describes how optogenetics, which has extensively been used to interrogate the circuits of the CNS, has been applied to untangle the knots of heart innervation, unveiling the cellular mechanisms of neurogenic control of heart function, in physiology and pathology, as well as those participating to brain-heart communication, back and forth. We discuss existing literature, providing a comprehensive view of the advancement in the understanding of the mechanisms of neurogenic heart control. In addition, we weigh the limits and potential of optogenetics in basic and applied research in neuro-cardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Scalco
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicola Moro
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Tania Zaglia
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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18
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Cavalcante GL, Brognara F, Oliveira LVDC, Lataro RM, Durand MDT, Oliveira AP, Nóbrega ACL, Salgado HC, Sabino JPJ. Benefits of pharmacological and electrical cholinergic stimulation in hypertension and heart failure. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 232:e13663. [PMID: 33884761 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic arterial hypertension and heart failure are cardiovascular diseases that affect millions of individuals worldwide. They are characterized by a change in the autonomic nervous system balance, highlighted by an increase in sympathetic activity associated with a decrease in parasympathetic activity. Most therapeutic approaches seek to treat these diseases by medications that attenuate sympathetic activity. However, there is a growing number of studies demonstrating that the improvement of parasympathetic function, by means of pharmacological or electrical stimulation, can be an effective tool for the treatment of these cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, this review aims to describe the advances reported by experimental and clinical studies that addressed the potential of cholinergic stimulation to prevent autonomic and cardiovascular imbalance in hypertension and heart failure. Overall, the published data reviewed demonstrate that the use of central or peripheral acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is efficient to improve the autonomic imbalance and hemodynamic changes observed in heart failure and hypertension. Of note, the baroreflex and the vagus nerve activation have been shown to be safe and effective approaches to be used as an alternative treatment for these cardiovascular diseases. In conclusion, pharmacological and electrical stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system has the potential to be used as a therapeutic tool for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure, deserving to be more explored in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisele L. Cavalcante
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Biophysics and Physiology Federal University of Piaui Teresina PI Brazil
- Department of Pharmacology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Fernanda Brognara
- Department of Physiology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Lucas Vaz de C. Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Biophysics and Physiology Federal University of Piaui Teresina PI Brazil
| | - Renata M. Lataro
- Department of Physiological Sciences Center of Biological Sciences Federal University of Santa Catarina Florianópolis SP Brazil
| | | | - Aldeidia P. Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology Department of Biophysics and Physiology Federal University of Piaui Teresina PI Brazil
| | | | - Helio C. Salgado
- Department of Physiology Ribeirão Preto Medical School University of São Paulo Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - João Paulo J. Sabino
- Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Biophysics and Physiology Federal University of Piaui Teresina PI Brazil
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19
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Observing and Manipulating Cell-Specific Cardiac Function with Light. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021. [PMID: 33398827 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The heart is a complex multicellular organ comprising both cardiomyocytes (CM), which make up the majority of the cardiac volume, and non-myocytes (NM), which represent the majority of cardiac cells. CM drive the pumping action of the heart, triggered via rhythmic electrical activity. NM, on the other hand, have many essential functions including generating extracellular matrix, regulating CM activity, and aiding in repair following injury. NM include neurons and interstitial, immune, and endothelial cells. Understanding the role of specific cell types and their interactions with one another may be key to developing new therapies with minimal side effects to treat cardiac disease. However, assessing cell-type-specific behavior in situ using standard techniques is challenging. Optogenetics enables population-specific observation and control, facilitating studies into the role of specific cell types and subtypes. Optogenetic models targeting the most important cardiac cell types have been generated and used to investigate non-canonical roles of those cell populations, e.g., to better understand how cardiac pacing occurs and to assess potential translational possibilities of optogenetics. So far, cardiac optogenetic studies have primarily focused on validating models and tools in the healthy heart. The field is now in a position where animal models and tools should be utilized to improve our understanding of the complex heterocellular nature of the heart, how this changes in disease, and from there to enable the development of cell-specific therapies and improved treatments.
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20
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Ren L, Li H, Liu M, Du J. Light-accelerating oxidase-mimicking activity of black phosphorus quantum dots for colorimetric detection of acetylcholinesterase activity and inhibitor screening. Analyst 2021; 145:8022-8029. [PMID: 33057486 DOI: 10.1039/d0an01917h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A feasible and sensitive colorimetric platform was established for the assay of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and evaluation of its inhibitor screening, based upon the light-accelerating oxidase-mimicking activity of black phosphorus quantum dots (BP QDs). The BP QDs were synthesized through a thermal exfoliation method and characterized using various techniques. The BP QDs exhibit oxidase-mimicking catalytic activity on dissolved oxygen-mediating oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine, a typical substrate of oxidase. This results in a transformation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine into its blue oxidized product, which has a visible absorption peak at 652 nm. The exposure of 365 nm light irradiation significantly accelerates the oxidase-mimicking activity of the BP QDs and speeds up the reaction efficiency. AChE can specifically catalyze the decomposition of its substrate acetylthiocholine chloride to thiocholine. Thiocholine has reducing capacity and can thus reduce the oxidase-mimicking activity of the BP QDs. As a result, the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine is hindered and the blue solution becomes paler. This gives a linear response for AChE ranging from 0.5 to 10.0 mU mL-1 and a detection limit of 0.17 mU mL-1. The assay was successfully applied to evaluate inhibitor screening with neostigmine as the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Ren
- Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science of Shaanxi Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
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21
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Okonogi T, Sasaki T. Optogenetic Manipulation of the Vagus Nerve. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1293:459-470. [PMID: 33398833 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-8763-4_30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The vagus nerve plays a pivotal role in communication between the brain and peripheral organs involved in the sensory detection and the autonomic control of visceral activity. While the lack of appropriate experimental techniques to manipulate the physiological activity of the vagus nerve has been a long-standing problem, recent advancements in optogenetic tools, including viral vectors and photostimulation devices, during the late 2010s have begun to overcome this technical hurdle. Furthermore, identifying promoters for expressing transgenes in a cell-type-specific subpopulation of vagal neurons enables the selective photoactivation of afferent/efferent vagal neurons and specific visceral organ-innervating vagal neurons. In this chapter, we describe recent optogenetic approaches to study vagus nerve physiology and describe how these approaches have provided novel findings on the roles of vagus nerve signals in the cardiac, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. Compared with studies of the central nervous system, there are still few insights into vagus nerve physiology. Further studies with optogenetic tools will be useful for understanding the fundamental characteristics of vagus nerve signals transferred throughout the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toya Okonogi
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Sasaki
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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22
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Moreno A, Kowalik G, Mendelowitz D, Kay MW. Optogenetic Control of Cardiac Autonomic Neurons in Transgenic Mice. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2191:309-321. [PMID: 32865752 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0830-2_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Optogenetic technology has enabled unparalleled insights into cellular and organ physiology by providing exquisite temporal and spatial control of biological pathways. Here, an optogenetic approach is presented for selective activation of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system in excised perfused mouse hearts. The breeding of transgenic mice that have selective expression of channelrhodopsin in either catecholaminergic or cholinergic neurons is described. An approach for perfusing hearts excised from those animals, recording the ECG to measure heart rate changes, and an illumination technique using a custom micro-LED light source to activate channelrhodopsin is explained. We have used these methods in ongoing studies of the kinetics of autonomic control of cardiac electrophysiology and contractility, demonstrating the proven utility of optogenetic technology to enable unparalleled spatiotemporal anatomic-functional probing of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Moreno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Grant Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - David Mendelowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Matthew W Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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23
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Fernández MC, Kopton RA, Simon-Chica A, Madl J, Hilgendorf I, Zgierski-Johnston CM, Schneider-Warme F. Channelrhodopsins for Cell-Type Specific Illumination of Cardiac Electrophysiology. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2191:287-307. [PMID: 32865751 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0830-2_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic approaches have evolved as potent means to investigate cardiac electrophysiology, with research ranging from the study of arrhythmia mechanisms to effects of cardiac innervation and heterocellular structural and functional interactions, both in healthy and diseased myocardium. Most commonly, these studies use channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2)-expressing murine models that enable light-activated depolarization of the target cell population. However, each newly generated mouse line requires thorough characterization, as cell-type specific ChR2 expression cannot be taken for granted, and the electrophysiological response of its activation in the target cell should be evaluated. In this chapter, we describe detailed protocols for assessing ChR2 specificity using immunohistochemistry, isolation of specific cell populations to analyze electrophysiological effects of ChR2 activation with the patch-clamp technique, and whole-heart experiments to assess in situ effects of optical stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marbely C Fernández
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ramona A Kopton
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ana Simon-Chica
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Josef Madl
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Hilgendorf
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Cardiology I, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Callum M Zgierski-Johnston
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Schneider-Warme
- Institute for Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine, University Heart Center Freiburg-Bad Krozingen, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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24
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Hadaya J, Ardell JL. Autonomic Modulation for Cardiovascular Disease. Front Physiol 2020; 11:617459. [PMID: 33414727 PMCID: PMC7783451 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.617459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, including congestive heart failure and cardiac arrhythmias. Despite advances in the medical and surgical management of these entities, progression of disease persists as does the risk for sudden cardiac death. With improved knowledge of the dynamic relationships between the nervous system and heart, neuromodulatory techniques such as cardiac sympathetic denervation and vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) have emerged as possible therapeutic approaches for the management of these disorders. In this review, we present the structure and function of the cardiac nervous system and the remodeling that occurs in disease states, emphasizing the concept of increased sympathoexcitation and reduced parasympathetic tone. We review preclinical evidence for vagal nerve stimulation, and early results of clinical trials in the setting of congestive heart failure. Vagal nerve stimulation, and other neuromodulatory techniques, may improve the management of cardiovascular disorders, and warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hadaya
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey L Ardell
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,UCLA Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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25
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Abstract
The electromechanical function of the heart involves complex, coordinated activity over time and space. Life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias arise from asynchrony in these space-time events; therefore, therapies for prevention and treatment require fundamental understanding and the ability to visualize, perturb and control cardiac activity. Optogenetics combines optical and molecular biology (genetic) approaches for light-enabled sensing and actuation of electrical activity with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution and parallelism. The year 2020 marks a decade of developments in cardiac optogenetics since this technology was adopted from neuroscience and applied to the heart. In this Review, we appraise a decade of advances that define near-term (immediate) translation based on all-optical electrophysiology, including high-throughput screening, cardiotoxicity testing and personalized medicine assays, and long-term (aspirational) prospects for clinical translation of cardiac optogenetics, including new optical therapies for rhythm control. The main translational opportunities and challenges for optogenetics to be fully embraced in cardiology are also discussed.
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26
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Dyavanapalli J. Novel approaches to restore parasympathetic activity to the heart in cardiorespiratory diseases. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 319:H1153-H1161. [PMID: 33035444 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00398.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neural control of the heart is regulated by sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system, both opposing each other to maintain cardiac homeostasis via regulating heart rate, conduction velocity, force of contraction, and coronary blood flow. Sympathetic hyperactivity and diminished parasympathetic activity are the characteristic features of many cardiovascular disease states including hypertension, myocardial ischemia, and arrhythmias that result in heart failure. Restoring parasympathetic activity to the heart has recently been identified as the promising approach to treat such conditions. However, approaches that used vagal nerve stimulation have been shown to be unsuccessful in heart failure. This review focuses on novel chemogenetic approaches used to identify the cardioprotective nature of activating neural points along the vagal pathway (both central and peripheral) while being selectively therapeutic in heart failure and obstructive sleep apnea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhansi Dyavanapalli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
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27
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Sigalas C, Cremer M, Winbo A, Bose SJ, Ashton JL, Bub G, Montgomery JM, Burton RAB. Combining tissue engineering and optical imaging approaches to explore interactions along the neuro-cardiac axis. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:200265. [PMID: 32742694 PMCID: PMC7353978 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.200265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Interactions along the neuro-cardiac axis are being explored with regard to their involvement in cardiac diseases, including catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, long QT syndrome and sudden death in epilepsy. Interrogation of the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of neuro-cardiac diseases in animal models present challenges resulting from species differences, phenotypic variation, developmental effects and limited availability of data relevant at both the tissue and cellular level. By contrast, tissue-engineered models containing cardiomyocytes and peripheral sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons afford characterization of cellular- and tissue-level behaviours while maintaining precise control over developmental conditions, cellular genotype and phenotype. Such approaches are uniquely suited to long-term, high-throughput characterization using optical recording techniques with the potential for increased translational benefit compared to more established techniques. Furthermore, tissue-engineered constructs provide an intermediary between whole animal/tissue experiments and in silico models. This paper reviews the advantages of tissue engineering methods of multiple cell types and optical imaging techniques for the characterization of neuro-cardiac diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maegan Cremer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Annika Winbo
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Services, Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Samuel J. Bose
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jesse L. Ashton
- Department of Physiology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gil Bub
- Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Rebecca A. B. Burton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Author for correspondence: Rebecca A. B. Burton e-mail:
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28
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Ferenczi EA, Tan X, Huang CLH. Principles of Optogenetic Methods and Their Application to Cardiac Experimental Systems. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1096. [PMID: 31572204 PMCID: PMC6749684 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Optogenetic techniques permit studies of excitable tissue through genetically expressed light-gated microbial channels or pumps permitting transmembrane ion movement. Light activation of these proteins modulates cellular excitability with millisecond precision. This review summarizes optogenetic approaches, using examples from neurobiological applications, and then explores their application in cardiac electrophysiology. We review the available opsins, including depolarizing and hyperpolarizing variants, as well as modulators of G-protein coupled intracellular signaling. We discuss the biophysical properties that determine the ability of microbial opsins to evoke reliable, precise stimulation or silencing of electrophysiological activity. We also review spectrally shifted variants offering possibilities for enhanced depth of tissue penetration, combinatorial stimulation for targeting different cell subpopulations, or all-optical read-in and read-out studies. Expression of the chosen optogenetic tool in the cardiac cell of interest then requires, at the single-cell level, introduction of opsin-encoding genes by viral transduction, or coupling "spark cells" to primary cardiomyocytes or a stem-cell derived counterpart. At the system-level, this requires construction of transgenic mice expressing ChR2 in their cardiomyocytes, or in vivo injection (myocardial or systemic) of adenoviral expression systems. Light delivery, by laser or LED, with widespread or multipoint illumination, although relatively straightforward in vitro may be technically challenged by cardiac motion and light-scattering in biological tissue. Physiological read outs from cardiac optogenetic stimulation include single cell patch clamp recordings, multi-unit microarray recordings from cell monolayers or slices, and electrical recordings from isolated Langendorff perfused hearts. Optical readouts of specific cellular events, including ion transients, voltage changes or activity in biochemical signaling cascades, using small detecting molecules or genetically encoded sensors now offer powerful opportunities for all-optical control and monitoring of cellular activity. Use of optogenetics has expanded in cardiac physiology, mainly using optically controlled depolarizing ion channels to control heart rate and for optogenetic defibrillation. ChR2-expressing cardiomyocytes show normal baseline and active excitable membrane and Ca2+ signaling properties and are sensitive even to ~1 ms light pulses. They have been employed in studies of the intrinsic cardiac adrenergic system and of cardiac arrhythmic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A. Ferenczi
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiaoqiu Tan
- Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology, Ministry of Education and Medical Electrophysiological Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Christopher L.-H. Huang
- Physiological Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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29
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Zaglia T, Di Bona A, Mongillo M. A Light Wand to Untangle the Myocardial Cell Network. Methods Protoc 2019; 2:E34. [PMID: 31164614 PMCID: PMC6632158 DOI: 10.3390/mps2020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of optogenetics has revolutionized research in neuroscience by providing the tools for noninvasive, cell-type selective modulation of membrane potential and cellular function in vitro and in vivo. Rhodopsin-based optogenetics has later been introduced in experimental cardiology studies and used as a tool to photoactivate cardiac contractions or to identify the sites, timing, and location most effective for defibrillating impulses to interrupt cardiac arrhythmias. The exploitation of cell-selectivity of optogenetics, and the generation of model organisms with myocardial cell type targeted expression of opsins has started to yield novel and sometimes unexpected notions on myocardial biology. This review summarizes the main results, the different uses, and the prospective developments of cardiac optogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Zaglia
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35122 Padova, Italy.
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy.
| | - Anna Di Bona
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy.
| | - Marco Mongillo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35122 Padova, Italy.
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padova, Italy.
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30
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Identification of peripheral neural circuits that regulate heart rate using optogenetic and viral vector strategies. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1944. [PMID: 31028266 PMCID: PMC6486614 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09770-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart rate is under the precise control of the autonomic nervous system. However, the wiring of peripheral neural circuits that regulate heart rate is poorly understood. Here, we develop a clearing-imaging-analysis pipeline to visualize innervation of intact hearts in 3D and employed a multi-technique approach to map parasympathetic and sympathetic neural circuits that control heart rate in mice. We identify cholinergic neurons and noradrenergic neurons in an intrinsic cardiac ganglion and the stellate ganglia, respectively, that project to the sinoatrial node. We also report that the heart rate response to optogenetic versus electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve displays different temporal characteristics and that vagal afferents enhance parasympathetic and reduce sympathetic tone to the heart via central mechanisms. Our findings provide new insights into neural regulation of heart rate, and our methodology to study cardiac circuits can be readily used to interrogate neural control of other visceral organs. The wiring of peripheral neural circuits that regulate heart rate is poorly understood. In this study, authors used tissue clearing for high-resolution characterization of nerves in the heart in 3D and transgenic and novel viral vector approaches to identify peripheral parasympathetic and sympathetic neuronal populations involved in heart rate control in mice.
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