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The importance of proper ion channel trafficking is underpinned by a number of channel-linked genetic diseases whose defect is associated with failure to reach the cell surface. Conceptually, it is reasonable to suggest that the function of ion channels depends critically on the precise subcellular localization and the number of channel proteins on the cell surface membrane, which is determined jointly by the secretory and endocytic pathways. Yet the precise mechanisms of the entire ion channel trafficking pathway remain unknown. Here, we directly demonstrate that proper membrane localization of a small-conductance [Ca.sup.2+]-activated [K.sup.+] channel (SK2 or [K.sub.Ca]2.2) is dependent on its interacting protein, [alpha]-actinin2, a major F-actin cross-linking protein. SK2 channel localization on the cell-surface membrane is dynamically regulated, and one of the critical steps includes the process of cytoskeletal anchoring of SK2 channel by its interacting protein, [alpha]-actinin2, as well as endocytic recycling via early endosome back to the cell membrane. Consequently, alteration of these components of SK2 channel recycling results in profound changes in channel surface expression. The importance of our findings may transcend the area of [K.sup.+] channels, given that similar cytoskeletal interaction and anchoring may be critical for the membrane localization of other ion channels in neurons and other excitable cells. ion channel trafficking | early endosome | cardiac myocytes | small conductance [Ca.sup.2+]-activated [K.sup.+] channel | calmodulin binding domain doi/10.1073/pnas.0908207106

Small-conductance [Ca.sup.2+]-activated [K.sup.+] channels (SK channels, [K.sub.Ca], channels) have been reported in excitable cells, where they aid in integrating changes in intracellular [Ca.sup.2+] with membrane potential. We recently reported for the first time the functional existence of SK2 ([K.sub.Ca]2.2) channels in human and mouse cardiac myocytes. Here, we report cloning of SK1 ([K.sub.Ca]2.1) and SK3 ([K.sub.Ca]2.3) channels from mouse atria and ventricles using RT-PCR. Full-length transcripts and their variants were detected for both SK1 and SK3 channels. Variants of mouse SK1 channel (mSK1) differ mainly in the COOH-terminal structure, affecting a portion of the sixth transmembrane segment (S6) and the calmodulin binding domain (CaMBD). Mouse SK3 channel (mSK3) differs not only in the number of polyglutamine repeats in the N[H.sub.2] terminus but also in the intervening sequences between the polyglutamine repeats. Full-length cardiac mSK1 and mSK3 show 99 and 91% nucleotide identity with those of mouse colon SK1 and SK3, respectively. Quantification of SK1, SK2, and SK3 transcripts between atria and ventricles was performed using real-time quantitative RT-PCR from single, isolated cardiomyocytes. SKI transcript was found to be more abundant in atria compared with ventricles, similar to the previously reported finding for SK2 channel. In contrast, SK3 showed similar levels of expression in atria and ventricles. Together, our data are the first to indicate the presence of the three different isoforms of SK channels in heart and the differential expression of SK1 and SK2 in mouse atria and ventricles. Because of the marked differential expression of SK channel isoforms in heart, specific ligands for [Ca.sup.2+]-activated [K.sup.+] currents may offer a unique therapeutic opportunity to modify atrial cells without interfering with ventricular myocytes. calcium-activated potassium current; mouse cardiac myocyte

Background: Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a hereditary disease that predisposes patients to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Our previous study of the human ether-à-go-go related gene (hERG)-encoded K+ channel (Kv11.1) supports an association between hERG and RING finger protein 207 (RNF207) variants in aggravating the onset and severity of LQTS, specifically T613M hERG (hERGT613M) and RNF207 frameshift (RNF207G603fs) mutations. However, the underlying mechanistic underpinning remains unknown.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to test the role of RNF207 in the function of hERG-encoded K+ channel subunits.Methods: Whole-cell patch-clamp experiments were performed in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells and human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) together with immunofluorescent confocal and high resolution microscopy, auto-ubiquitinylation assays, and co-immunoprecipitation experiments to test the functional interactions between hERG and RNF207.Results: Here, we demonstrated that RNF207 serves as an E3 ubiquitin ligase and targets misfolded hERGT613M proteins for degradation. RNF207G603fs exhibits decreased activity and hinders the normal degradation pathway; this increases the levels of hERGT613M subunits and their dominant-negative effect on the wild-type subunits, ultimately resulting in decreased current density. Similar findings are shown for hERGA614V, a known dominant-negative mutant subunit. Finally, the presence of RNF207G603fs with hERGT613M results in significantly prolonged action potential durations and reduced hERG current in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.Conclusion: Our study establishes RNF207 as an interacting protein serving as a ubiquitin ligase for hERG-encoded K+ channel subunits. Normal function of RNF207 is critical for the quality control of hERG subunits and consequently cardiac repolarization. Moreover, our study provides evidence for protein quality control as a new paradigm in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in patients with LQTS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims One of the hallmarks of myocardial infarction (MI) is excessive inflammation. During an inflammatory insult, damaged endothelial cells shed their glycocalyx, a carbohydrate-rich layer on the cell surface which provides a regulatory interface to immune cell adhesion. Selectin-mediated neutrophilia occurs as a result of endothelial injury and inflammation. We recently designed a novel selectin-targeting glycocalyx mimetic (termed DS-IkL) capable of binding inflamed endothelial cells. This study examines the capacity of DS-IkL to limit neutrophil binding and platelet activation on inflamed endothelial cells, as well as the cardioprotective effects of DS-IkL after acute myocardial infarction. Methods and results In vitro , DS-IkL diminished neutrophil interactions with both recombinant selectin and inflamed endothelial cells , and limited platelet activation on inflamed endothelial cells. Our data demonstrated that DS-IkL localized to regions of vascular inflammation in vivo after 45 min of left anterior descending coronary artery ligation-induced MI. Further, findings from this study show DS-IkL treatment had short- and long-term cardioprotective effects after ischaemia/reperfusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Mice treated with DS-IkL immediately after ischaemia/reperfusion and 24 h later exhibited reduced neutrophil extravasation, macrophage accumulation, fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation, and fibrosis compared to saline controls. Conclusions Our findings suggest that DS-IkL has great therapeutic potential after MI by limiting reperfusion injury induced by the immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation represents the most common arrhythmia leading to increased morbidity and mortality, yet, current treatment strategies have proven inadequate. Conventional treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs carries a high risk for proarrhythmias. The soluble epoxide hydrolase enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of anti-inflammatory epoxy fatty acids, including epoxyeicosatrienoic acids from arachidonic acid to the corresponding proinflammatory diols. Therefore, the goal of the study is to directly test the hypotheses that inhibition of the soluble epoxide hydrolase enzyme can result in an increase in the levels of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, leading to the attenuation of atrial structural and electric remodeling and the prevention of atrial fibrillation.Methods and Results: For the first time, we report findings that inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, atrial structural, and electric remodeling. Treatment with soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor significantly reduces the activation of key inflammatory signaling molecules, including the transcription factor nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and transforming growth factor-β.Conclusions: This study provides insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms leading to atrial fibrillation by inflammation and represents a paradigm shift from conventional antiarrhythmic drugs, which block downstream events to a novel upstream therapeutic target by counteracting the inflammatory processes in atrial fibrillation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclosan (TCS), a high-production-volume chemical used as a bactericide in personal care products, is a priority pollutant of growing concern to human and environmental health. TCS is capable of altering the activity of type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1), but its potential to influence physiological excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) and muscle function has not been investigated. Here, we report that TCS impairs ECC of both cardiac and skeletal muscle in vitro and in vivo. TCS acutely depresses hemodynamics and grip strength in mice at doses ≥12.5 mg/kg i.p., and a concentration ≥0.52 µM in water compromises swimming performance in larval fathead minnow. In isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes, skeletal myotubes, and adult flexor digitorum brevis fibers TCS depresses electrically evoked ECC within ∼10-20 min. In myotubes, nanomolar to low micromolar TCS initially potentiates electrically evoked Ca2+ transients followed by complete failure of ECC, independent of Ca2+ store depletion or block of RyR1 channels. TCS also completely blocks excitation-coupled Ca2+ entry. Voltage clamp experiments showed that TCS partially inhibits L-type Ca2+ currents of cardiac and skeletal muscle, and [3H]PN200 binding to skeletal membranes is noncompetitively inhibited by TCS in the same concentration range that enhances [3H]ryanodine binding. TCS potently impairs orthograde and retrograde signaling between L-type Ca2+ and RyR channels in skeletal muscle, and L-type Ca2+ entry in cardiac muscle, revealing a mechanism by which TCS weakens cardiac and skeletal muscle contractility in a manner that may negatively impact muscle health, especially in susceptible populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) and activation of protein kinase C (PKC) have been implicated in alterations of myocyte function in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Changes in cellular Ca2+ handling and electrophysiological properties also occur in these states and may contribute to mechanical dysfunction and arrhythmias. While ET-1 or PKC stimulation induces cellular hypertrophy in cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs), a system widely used in studies of hypertrophic signaling, there is little data about electrophysiological changes. Here we studied the effects of ET-1 (100 nM) or the PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 1 μM) on ionic currents in NRVMs. The acute effects of PMA or ET-1 (⩽30 min) were small or insignificant. However, PMA or ET-1 exposure for 48-72 h increased cell capacitance by 100 or 25%, respectively, indicating cellular hypertrophy. ET-1 also slightly increased Ca2+ current density (T and L type). Na+/Ca2+ exchange current was increased by chronic pretreatment with either PMA or ET-1. In contrast, transient outward and delayed rectifier K+ currents were strongly downregulated by PMA or ET-1 pretreatment. Inward rectifier K+ current tended toward a decrease at larger negative potential, but time-independent outward K+ current was unaltered by either treatment. The enhanced inward and reduced outward currents also result in action potential prolongation after PMA or ET-1 pretreatment. We conclude that chronic PMA or ET-1 exposure in cultured NRVMs causes altered functional expression of cardiac ion currents, which mimic electrophysiological changes seen in whole animal and human hypertrophy and heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Atrioventricular node (AV node) is the hub where electrical input from the atria is propagated and conveyed to the ventricles. Despite its strategic position and role in governing impulse conduction between atria and ventricles, there is paucity of data regarding the contribution of specific ion channels to the function of the AV node. Here, we examined the roles of Cav1.3 L-type Ca2+ channel in AV node by taking advantage of a mouse model with null mutation of Ca v 1.3 (Ca v 1.3 −/−). Ca v 1.3 null mutant mice show evidence of AV node dysfunction with AV block, suggesting the tissue-specific function of the Cav1.3 channel. In keeping with this assertion, we demonstrate that Cav1.3 isoform is highly expressed in the isolated AV node cells. Furthermore, AV node isolated from Cav1.3 null mutant mice show a significant decrease in the firing frequency of spontaneous action potentials suggesting that Cav1.3 L-type Ca2+ channel plays significant roles in the automaticity of the AV node. Because of the distinct voltage-dependence of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 Ca2+ channels, Cav1.2 alone does not suffice to maintain normal AV node function. Cav1.3 currents activate at more hyperpolarizing voltage compared to Cav1.2 currents. Consequently, Cav1.2 Ca2+ channel cannot functionally substitute for Cav1.3 isoform in the AV node of Ca v 1.3 null mutant mice. Thus, our study demonstrates that the distinct biophysical properties of Cav1.3 Ca2+ channel play critical roles in the firing frequency of AV node tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adenylyl cyclase (AC) is the principal effector molecule in the β-adrenergic receptor pathway. ACV and ACVI are the two predominant isoforms in mammalian cardiac myocytes. The disparate roles among AC isoforms in cardiac hypertrophy and progression to heart failure have been under intense investigation. Specifically, the salutary effects resulting from the disruption of ACV have been established in multiple models of cardiomyopathy. It has been proposed that a continual activation of ACV through elevated levels of protein kinase C could play an integral role in mediating a hypertrophic response leading to progressive heart failure. Elevated protein kinase C is a common finding in heart failure and was demonstrated in murine cardiomyopathy from cardiac-specific overexpression of Gαq protein. Here we assessed whether the disruption of ACV expression can improve cardiac function, limit electrophysiological remodeling, or improve survival in the Gαq mouse model of heart failure. We directly tested the effects of gene-targeted disruption of ACV in transgenic mice with cardiac-specific overexpression of Gαq protein using multiple techniques to assess the survival, cardiac function, as well as structural and electrical remodeling. Surprisingly, in contrast to other models of cardiomyopathy, ACV disruption did not improve survival or cardiac function, limit cardiac chamber dilation, halt hypertrophy, or prevent electrical remodeling in Gαq transgenic mice. In conclusion, unlike other established models of cardiomyopathy, disrupting ACV expression in the Gαq mouse model is insufficient to overcome several parallel pathophysiological processes leading to progressive heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research on heteromultimeric formation and required domain for assembly of 3 SK channel subunits which include SK1, SK2 and SK3 into complexes in the hearts of human and mouse. It explains the use of several methods including the immunogold-labeled transmission electron microscopy, coimmunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis. The study concluded that SK channels in atrial myocytes could offer opportunities for therapy by directly modifying atrial cells without ventricular myocyte interference.

The importance of proper ion channel trafficking is underpinned by a number of channel-linked genetic diseases whose defect is associated with failure to reach the cell surface. Conceptually, it is reasonable to suggest that the function of ion channels depends critically on the precise subcellular localization and the number of channel proteins on the cell surface membrane, which is determined jointly by the secretory and endocytic pathways. Yet the precise mechanisms of the entire ion channel trafficking pathway remain unknown. Here, we directly demonstrate that proper membrane localization of a smallconductance Ca2+-activated K+ channel (SK2 or KCa2.2) is dependent on its interacting protein, α-actinin2, a major F-actin crosslinking protein. SK2 channel localization on the cell-surface membrane is dynamically regulated, and one of the critical steps includes the process of cytoskeletal anchoring of SK2 channel by its interacting protein, α-actinin2, as well as endocytic recycling via early endosome back to the cell membrane. Consequently, alteration of these components of SK2 channel recyding results in profound changes in channel surface expression. The importance of our findings may transcend the area of K+ channels, given that similar cytoskeletal interaction and anchoring may be critical for the membrane localization of other ion channels in neurons and other excitable cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]