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Drugs currently approved to coat stents used in percutaneous coronary interventions do not discriminate between proliferating vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). This lack of discrimination delays reendothelialization and vascular healing, increasing the risk of late thrombosis following angioplasty. We developed a microRNA-based (miRNA-based) approach to inhibit proliferative VSMCs, thus preventing restenosis, while selectively promoting reendothelialization and preserving EC function. We used an adenoviral (Ad) vector that encodes cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27Kip1 (p27) with target sequences for EC-specific miR-126-3p at the 3' end (Ad-p27-126TS). Exogenous p27 overexpression was evaluated in vitro and in a rat arterial balloon injury model following transduction with Ad-p27-126TS, Ad-p27 (without miR-126 target sequences), or Ad-GFP (control). In vitro, Ad-p27-126TS protected the ability of ECs to proliferate, migrate, and form networks. At 2 and 4 weeks after injury, Ad-p27-126TS--treated animals exhibited reduced restenosis, complete reendothelialization, reduced hypercoagulability, and restoration of the vasodilatory response to acetylcholine to levels comparable to those in uninjured vessels. By incorporating miR-126-3p target sequences to leverage endogenous EC-specific miR-126, we overexpressed exogenous p27 in VSMCs, while selectively inhibiting p27 overexpression in ECs. Our proof-of-principle study demonstrates the potential of using a miRNA-based strategy as a therapeutic approach to specifically inhibit vascular restenosis while preserving EC function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

S100A1, a small homodimeric EF-hand Ca2+-binding protein (~21 kDa), plays an important regulatory role in Ca2+ signaling pathways involved in various biological functions including Ca2+ cycling and contractile performance in skeletal and cardiac myocytes. One key target of the S100A1 interactome is the ryanodine receptor (RyR), a huge homotetrameric Ca2+ release channel (~2.3 MDa) of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Here, we report cryoelectron microscopy structures of S100A1 bound to RyR1, the skeletal muscle isoform, in absence and presence of Ca2+. Ca2+-free apo-S100A1 binds beneath the bridging solenoid (BSol) and forms contacts with the junctional solenoid and the shell-core linker of RyR1. Upon Ca2+-binding, S100A1 undergoes a conformational change resulting in the exposure of the hydrophobic pocket known to serve as a major interaction site of S100A1. Through interactions of the hydrophobic pocket with RyR1, Ca2+-bound S100A1 intrudes deeper into the RyR1 structure beneath BSol than the apo-form and induces sideways motions of the C-terminal BSol region toward the adjacent RyR1 protomer resulting in tighter interprotomer contacts. Interestingly, the second hydrophobic pocket of the S100A1-dimer is largely exposed at the hydrophilic surface making it prone to interactions with the local environment, suggesting that S100A1 could be involved in forming larger heterocomplexes of RyRs with other protein partners. Since S100A1 interactions stabilizing BSol are implicated in the regulation of RyR-mediated Ca2+ release, the characterization of the S100A1 binding site conserved between RyR isoforms may provide the structural basis for the development of therapeutic strategies regarding treatments of RyR-related disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on the structural analyses of human ryanodine receptor type 2 channels and their correlation with sudden cardiac death. It describes the mechanism for catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) and the therapeutic actions of ARM210. Mechanism of action of drug-induced stabilization of RyR2 receptor channels and a role for xanthine in this.

Abstract: Background: Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia caused by mutations in the RyR2 gene manifests as severe arrhythmias, and may provide a candidate for sudden cardiac deaths. Methods: We screened 19 victims of SCD for mutations in the RyR2 gene by direct sequencing, and analyzed DNAs from available family members and from 300 controls. Medico-legal investigations were conducted by experienced pathologists. We performed resting ECG, cardiac ultrasonography, exercise stress test, epinephrine test and 24-hour ambulatory ECG recording to related mutation carriers (n =17). The single channel recordings of the mutant RyR2s were conducted in planar lipid bilayers, and the open probabilities were determined by sequential addition of CaCl2 to the cis-side. Results: We identified two novel RyR2 missense mutations (G2145R and R3570W) in three victims of SCD. The surviving carriers of these mutations exhibited only minor, if any structural abnormalities, and two carriers of R3570W showed ventricular arrhythmias predominantly at rest. Single channel recordings revealed a gain-of-function defect in native unphosphorylated R3570W and a similar but milder defect in native G2145R. Conclusions: RyR2 mutations manifesting as a gain-of-function defect in vitro may be detectable in some cases of SCD. Not all RyR2 mutations lead to a uniform, highly penetrant CPVT phenotype. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Patients with heart failure (HF) have augmented vascular tone, which increases cardiac workload, impairing ventricular output and promoting further myocardial dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms underlying the maladaptive vascular responses observed in HF are not fully understood. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) control vasoconstriction via a Ca2+-dependent process, in which the type 1 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R1) on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) plays a major role. To dissect the mechanistic contribution of intracellular Ca2+ release to the increased vascular tone observed in HF, we analyzed the remodeling of IP3R1 in aortic tissues from patients with HF and from controls. VSMC IP3R1 channels from patients with HF and HF mice were hyperphosphorylated by both serine and tyrosine kinases. VSMCs isolated from IP3R1VSMC-/- mice exhibited blunted Ca2+ responses to angiotensin II (ATII) and norepinephrine compared with control VSMCs. IP3R1VSMC-/- mice displayed significantly reduced responses to ATII, both in vivo and ex vivo. HF IP3R1VSMC-/- mice developed significantly less afterload compared with HF IP3R1fl/fl mice and exhibited significantly attenuated progression toward decompensated HF and reduced interstitial fibrosis. Ca2+-dependent phosphorylation of the MLC by MLCK activated VSMC contraction. MLC phosphorylation was markedly increased in VSMCs from patients with HF and HF mice but reduced in VSMCs from HF IP3R1VSMC-/- mice and HF WT mice treated with ML-7. Taken together, our data indicate that VSMC IP3R1 is a major effector of increased vascular tone, which contributes to increased cardiac afterload and decompensation in HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) is an intracellular calcium (Ca2+) release channel on the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum that is required for skeletal muscle contraction. RyR1 channel activity is modulated by ligands, including the activators Ca2+ and ATP. Patients with inherited mutations in RyR1 may exhibit muscle weakness as part of a heterogeneous, complex disorder known as RYR1-related myopathy (RYR1-RM) or more recently termed RYR1-related disorders (RYR1-RD). Guided by high-resolution structures of skeletal muscle RyR1, obtained using cryogenic electron microscopy, we introduced mutations into putative Ca2+ and ATP binding sites and studied the function of the resulting mutant channels. These mutations confirmed the functional significance of the Ca2+ and ATP binding sites identified by structural studies based on the effects on channel regulation. Under normal conditions, Ca2+ activates RyR1 at low concentrations (µM) and inhibits it at high concentrations (mM). Mutations in the Ca2+-binding site impaired both activating and inhibitory regulation of the channel, suggesting a single site for both high and low affinity Ca2+-dependent regulation of RyR1 function. Mutation of residues that interact with the adenine ring of ATP abrogated ATP binding to the channel, whereas mutating residues that interact with the triphosphate tail only affected the degree of activation. In addition, patients with mutations at the Ca2+ or ATP binding sites suffer from muscle weakness, therefore impaired RyR1 channel regulation by either Ca2+ or ATP may contribute to the pathophysiology of RYR1-RM in some patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RYR1 encodes the type 1 ryanodine receptor, an intracellular calcium release channel (RyR1) on the skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Pathogenic RYR1 variations can destabilize RyR1 leading to calcium leak causing oxidative overload and myopathy. However, the effect of RyR1 leak has not been established in individuals with RYR1-related myopathies (RYR1-RM), a broad spectrum of rare neuromuscular disorders. We sought to determine whether RYR1-RM affected individuals exhibit pathologic, leaky RyR1 and whether variant location in the channel structure can predict pathogenicity. Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained from 17 individuals with RYR1-RM. Mutant RyR1 from these individuals exhibited pathologic SR calcium leak and increased activity of calcium-activated proteases. The increased calcium leak and protease activity were normalized by ex-vivo treatment with S107, a RyR stabilizing Rycal molecule. Using the cryo-EM structure of RyR1 and a new dataset of > 2200 suspected RYR1-RM affected individuals we developed a method for assigning pathogenicity probabilities to RYR1 variants based on 3D co-localization of known pathogenic variants. This study provides the rationale for a clinical trial testing Rycals in RYR1-RM affected individuals and introduces a predictive tool for investigating the pathogenicity of RYR1 variants of uncertain significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial cells (ECs) are critical mediators of blood pressure (BP) regulation, primarily via the generation and release of vasorelaxants, including nitric oxide (NO). NO is produced in ECs by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS),which is activated by both calcium(Ca2+)-dependent and independent pathways. Here, we report that intracellular Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum(ER) via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) is required for Ca2+-dependent eNOS activation. EC-specific type 1 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor knockout (IP3R1-/-) mice are hypertensive and display blunted vasodilation in response to acetylcholine (ACh). Moreover, eNOS activity is reduced in both isolated IP3R1-deficient murine ECs and human ECs following IP3R1 knockdown. IP3R1 is upstream of calcineurin, a Ca2+/calmodulinactivated serine/threonine protein phosphatase. We show here that the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) pathway is less active and eNOS levels are decreased in IP3R1-deficient ECs. Furthermore, the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin A, whose use has been associated with the development of hypertension, reduces eNOS activity and vasodilation following ACh stimulation. Our results demonstrate that IP3R1 plays a crucial role in the ECmediated vasorelaxation and the maintenance of normal BP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer-associated muscle weakness is a poorly understood phenomenon, and there is no effective treatment. Here we find that seven different mouse models of human osteolytic bone metastases-representing breast, lung and prostate cancers, as well as multiple myeloma-exhibited impaired muscle function, implicating a role for the tumor-bone microenvironment in cancer-associated muscle weakness. We found that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, released from the bone surface as a result of metastasis-induced bone destruction, upregulated NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), resulting in elevated oxidization of skeletal muscle proteins, including the ryanodine receptor and calcium (Ca2+) release channel (RyR1). The oxidized RyR1 channels leaked Ca2+, resulting in lower intracellular signaling, which is required for proper muscle contraction. We found that inhibiting RyR1 leakage, TGF-β signaling, TGF-β release from bone or Nox4 activity improved muscle function in mice with MDA-MB-231 bone metastases. Humans with breast- or lung cancer-associated bone metastases also had oxidized skeletal muscle RyR1 that is not seen in normal muscle. Similarly, skeletal muscle weakness, increased Nox4 binding to RyR1 and oxidation of RyR1 were present in a mouse model of Camurati-Engelmann disease, a nonmalignant metabolic bone disorder associated with increased TGF-β activity. Thus, pathological TGF-β release from bone contributes to muscle weakness by decreasing Ca2+-induced muscle force production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ryanodine receptor (RyR2) mutations have largely been associated with catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PMVT). The role of RyR2 mutations in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias and syncope at rest is unknown. We sought to characterize the clinical and functional characteristics associated with a novel RyR2 mutation found in a mother and daughter with PMVT at rest. Methods and results A 31-year-old female with syncope at rest and recurrent short-coupled premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) initiating PMVT was found to be heterozygous for a novel RyR2-H29D mutation. Her mother, who also had syncope at rest and short-coupled PMVT, was found to harbor the same mutation. Human RyR2-H29D mutant channels were generated using site-directed mutagenesis and heterologously expressed in HEK293 cells together with the stabilizing protein calstabin2 (FKPB12.6). Single channel measurements of RyR2-H29D mutant channels and wild type (WT) RyR2 channels were compared at varying concentrations of cytosolic Ca2 +. Binding affinities of the RyR2-H29D channels and RyR2-WT channels to calstabin2 were compared. Functional characterization of the RyR2-H29D mutant channel revealed significantly higher open probability and opening frequency at diastolic levels of cytosolic Ca2 + under non-stress conditions without protein kinase A treatment. This was associated with a modest depletion of calstabin2 binding under resting conditions. Conclusions The RyR2-H29D mutation is associated with a clinical phenotype of short-coupled PMVT at rest. In contrast to catecholaminergic PMVT-associated RyR2 mutations, RyR2-H29D causes a leaky channel at diastolic levels of Ca2 + under non-stress conditions. Leaky RyR2 may be an under-recognized mechanism for idiopathic PMVT at rest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ryanodine receptor (RyR)/calcium release channel on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is required for excitation-contraction coupling in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Inherited mutations and stress-induced post-translational modifications result in an SR Ca2+ leak that causes skeletal myopathies, heart failure, and exercise-induced sudden death. A class of therapeutics known as Rycals prevent the RyR-mediated leak, are effective in preventing disease progression and restoring function in animal models, and are in clinical trials for patients with muscle and heart disorders. Using cryogenic-electron microscopy, we present a model of RyR1 with a 2.45-Å resolution before local refinement, revealing a binding site in the RY1&2 domain (3.10 Å local resolution), where the Rycal ARM210 binds cooperatively with ATP and stabilizes the closed state of RyR1. [Display omitted] • High-resolution structure of RyR1 reveals second binding site for ATP • ATP and ARM210 bound simultaneously in binding site located in cytosolic shell • Binding of ARM210 is dependent on ATP and stabilizes closed state of the channel • Unique binding modes between ATP and ADP suggest role as metabolic sensor Melville et al. show the cryo-EM structure of the ARM210-bound ryanodine receptor. The Rycal compound (ARM210) binds cooperatively with ATP in a second ATP-binding site and stabilizes the closed state of the channel. This site may be a metabolic sensor as it binds two ADP but only one ATP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ leak via the cardiac ryanodine receptor/calcium release channel (RyR2) is thought to play a role in heart failure (HF) progression. Inhibition of this leak is an emerging therapeutic strategy. To explore the role of chronic PKA phosphorylation of RyR2 in HF pathogenesis and treatment, we generated a knockin mouse with aspartic acid replacing serine 2808 (mice are referred to herein as RyR2-S2808D+/+ mice). This mutation mimics constitutive PKA hyperphosphorylation of RyR2, which causes depletion of the stabilizing subunit FKBP12.6 (also known as calstabin2), resulting in leaky RyR2. RyR2-S2808D+/+ mice developed age-dependent cardiomyopathy, elevated RyR2 oxidation and nitrosylation, reduced SR Ca2+ store content, and increased diastolic SR Ca2+ leak. After myocardial infarction, RyR2-S2808D+/+ mice exhibited increased mortality compared with WT littermates. Treatment with S107, a 1,4-benzothiazepine derivative that stabilizes RyR2-calstabin2 interactions, inhibited the RyR2-mediated diastolic SR Ca2+ leak and reduced HF progression in WT and RyR2-S2808D+/+ mice. In contrast, β-adrenergic receptor blockers improved cardiac function in WT but not in RyR2-S2808D+/+ mice.Thus, chronic PKA hyperphosphorylation of RyR2 results in a diastolic leak that causes cardiac dysfunction. Reversing PKA hyperphosphorylation of RyR2 is an important mechanism underlying the therapeutic action of β-blocker therapy in HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Ca2+ release channel ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) is required for excitation-contraction coupling in the heart and is also present in the brain. Mutations in RyR2 have been linked to exercise-induced sudden cardiac death (catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia [CPVT]). CPVT-associated RyR2 mutations result in "leaky" RyR2 channels due to the decreased binding of the calstabin2 (FKBP12.6) subunit, which stabilizes the closed state of the channel. We found that mice heterozygous for the R2474S mutation in Ryr2 (Ryr2-R2474S mice) exhibited spontaneous generalized tonic-clonic seizures (which occurred in the absence of cardiac arrhythmias), exercise-induced ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Treatment with a novel RyR2-specific compound (S107) that enhances the binding of calstabin2 to the mutant Ryr2-R2474S channel inhibited the channel leak and prevented cardiac arrhythmias and raised the seizure threshold. Thus, CPVT-associated mutant leaky Ryr2-R2474S channels in the brain can cause seizures in mice, independent of cardiac arrhythmias. Based on these data, we propose that CPVT is a combined neurocardiac disorder in which leaky RyR2 channels in the brain cause epilepsy, and the same leaky channels in the heart cause exercise-induced sudden cardiac death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defective regulation of the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2)/ calcium release channel, required for excitation-contraction coupling in the heart, has been linked to cardiac arrhythmias and heart failure. For example, diastolic calcium "leak" via RyR2 channels in the sarcoplasmic reticulum has been identified as an important factor contributing to impaired contractility in heart failure and ventricular arrhythmias that cause sudden cardiac death. In patients with heart failure, chronic activation of the "fight or flight" stress response leads to protein kinase A (PKA) hyperphosphorylation of RyR2 at Ser-2808. PKA phosphorylation of RyR2 Ser-2808 reduces the binding affinity of the channel-stabilizing subunit calstabin2, resulting in leaky RyR2 channels. We developed RyR2- S2808A mice to determine whether Ser-2808 is the functional PKA phosphorylation site on RyR2. Furthermore, mice in which the RyR2 channel cannot be PKA phosphorylated were relatively protected against the development of heart failure after myocardial infarction. Taken together, these data show that PKA phosphorylation of Ser-2808 on the RyR2 channel appears to be a critical mediator of progressive cardiac dysfunction after myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated microglial cells are an integral component of fibrillar plaques in brains of subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in brains of transgenic mice overexpressing amyloidogenic fragments of human amyloid precursor protein (APP). The aim of this ultrastructural study of fibrillar plaques was to characterize the origin of microglial cells involved in cored plaque formation. Computer-aided three-dimensional reconstruction of plaques and microvessels in APPsw transgenic mice shows perivascular development of cored plaques. Perivascular location of almost all examined plaques and the infiltration at the interface between vessels and plaques with cells of monocyte/microglia lineage indicates that plaques are formed by inflammatory cells of blood origin. The increase in the number of microglial cells from 1 or 2 in an early plaque to more than 100 in a several-month-old plaque does not result in plaque degradation, but is associated with amyloid core growth and progression of neuronal degeneration, and suggests that recruitment of inflammatory cells of blood origin sustains plaque growth. Infiltration of the plaque with cells of blood origin and degeneration of 10–46% of inflammatory cells in large plaques, which is especially frequent at the interface between capillary wall and plaque, suggest their accelerated turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]