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16 pages, 19779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Subcellular Remodeling in Filamin C Deficient Mouse Hearts Impairs Myocyte Tension Development during Progression of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

by Joseph D. Powers, Natalie J. Kirkland, Canzhao Liu, Swithin S. Razu, Xi Fang, Adam J. Engler, Ju Chen and Andrew D. McCulloch

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(2), 871; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23020871 - 14 Jan 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2823

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a life-threatening form of heart disease that is typically characterized by progressive thinning of the ventricular walls, chamber dilation, and systolic dysfunction. Multiple mutations in the gene encoding filamin C (FLNC), an actin-binding cytoskeletal protein in cardiomyocytes, have been [...] Read more.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a life-threatening form of heart disease that is typically characterized by progressive thinning of the ventricular walls, chamber dilation, and systolic dysfunction. Multiple mutations in the gene encoding filamin C (FLNC), an actin-binding cytoskeletal protein in cardiomyocytes, have been found in patients with DCM. However, the mechanisms that lead to contractile impairment and DCM in patients with FLNC variants are poorly understood. To determine how FLNC regulates systolic force transmission and DCM remodeling, we used an inducible, cardiac-specific FLNC-knockout (icKO) model to produce a rapid onset of DCM in adult mice. Loss of FLNC reduced systolic force development in single cardiomyocytes and isolated papillary muscles but did not affect twitch kinetics or calcium transients. Electron and immunofluorescence microscopy showed significant defects in Z-disk alignment in icKO mice and altered myofilament lattice geometry. Moreover, a loss of FLNC induces a softening myocyte cortex and structural adaptations at the subcellular level that contribute to disrupted longitudinal force production during contraction. Spatially explicit computational models showed that these structural defects could be explained by a loss of inter-myofibril elastic coupling at the Z-disk. Our work identifies FLNC as a key regulator of the multiscale ultrastructure of cardiomyocytes and therefore plays an important role in maintaining systolic mechanotransmission pathways, the dysfunction of which may be key in driving progressive DCM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Physiology of Striated Muscle Tissues)

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24 pages, 3286 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functional and Molecular Characterisation of Heart Failure Progression in Mice and the Role of Myosin Regulatory Light Chains in the Recovery of Cardiac Muscle Function

by Kasturi Markandran, Haiyang Yu, Weihua Song, Do Thuy Uyen Ha Lam, Mufeeda Changaramvally Madathummal and Michael A. Ferenczi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010088 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2643

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) as a result of myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of fatality worldwide. However, the cause of cardiac dysfunction succeeding MI has not been elucidated at a sarcomeric level. Thus, studying the alterations within the sarcomere is necessary to [...] Read more.

Heart failure (HF) as a result of myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of fatality worldwide. However, the cause of cardiac dysfunction succeeding MI has not been elucidated at a sarcomeric level. Thus, studying the alterations within the sarcomere is necessary to gain insights on the fundamental mechansims leading to HF and potentially uncover appropriate therapeutic targets. Since existing research portrays regulatory light chains (RLC) to be mediators of cardiac muscle contraction in both human and animal models, its role was further explored In this study, a detailed characterisation of the physiological changes (i.e., isometric force, calcium sensitivity and sarcomeric protein phosphorylation) was assessed in an MI mouse model, between 2D (2 days) and 28D post-MI, and the changes were related to the phosphorylation status of RLCs. MI mouse models were created via complete ligation of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery. Left ventricular (LV) papillary muscles were isolated and permeabilised for isometric force and Ca²⁺ sensitivity measurement, while the LV myocardium was used to assay sarcomeric proteins’ (RLC, troponin I (TnI) and myosin binding protein-C (MyBP-C)) phosphorylation levels and enzyme (myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), zipper interacting protein kinase (ZIPK) and myosin phosphatase target subunit 2 (MYPT2)) expression levels. Finally, the potential for improving the contractility of diseased cardiac papillary fibres via the enhancement of RLC phosphorylation levels was investigated by employing RLC exchange methods, in vitro. RLC phosphorylation and isometric force potentiation were enhanced in the compensatory phase and decreased in the decompensatory phase of HF failure progression, respectively. There was no significant time-lag between the changes in RLC phosphorylation and isometric force during HF progression, suggesting that changes in RLC phosphorylation immediately affect force generation. Additionally, the in vitro increase in RLC phosphorylation levels in 14D post-MI muscle segments (decompensatory stage) enhanced its force of isometric contraction, substantiating its potential in HF treatment. Longitudinal observation unveils potential mechanisms involving MyBP-C and key enzymes regulating RLC phosphorylation, such as MLCK and MYPT2 (subunit of MLCP), during HF progression. This study primarily demonstrates that RLC phosphorylation is a key sarcomeric protein modification modulating cardiac function. This substantiates the possibility of using RLCs and their associated enzymes to treat HF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Physiology of Striated Muscle Tissues)

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15 pages, 2945 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Buccal Mucosa Cells as a Potential Diagnostic Tool to Study Onset and Progression of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy

by Helen E. Driessen, Stephanie M. van der Voorn, Mimount Bourfiss, Freyja H. M. van Lint, Ferogh Mirzad, Laila El Onsri, Marc A. Vos and Toon A. B. van Veen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(1), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23010057 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2320

Abstract

In arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) pathogenic variants are found in genes encoding desmosomal proteins and in non-desmosomal genes, such as phospholamban (PLN, p.Arg14del variant). Previous research showed that plakoglobin protein levels and localization in the cardiac tissue of ACM patients, and PLN [...] Read more.

In arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) pathogenic variants are found in genes encoding desmosomal proteins and in non-desmosomal genes, such as phospholamban (PLN, p.Arg14del variant). Previous research showed that plakoglobin protein levels and localization in the cardiac tissue of ACM patients, and PLN p.Arg14del patients diagnosed with an ACM phenotype, are disturbed. Moreover, the effects of pathogenic variants in desmosomal genes are reflected in non-cardiac tissues like buccal mucosa cells (BMC) which could serve as a promising new and non-invasive tool to support diagnosis. We collected the BMC of 33 ACM patients, 17 PLN p.Arg14del patients and 34 controls, labelled the BMC with anti-plakoglobin antibodies at different concentrations, and scored their membrane labelling. We found that plakoglobin protein levels were significantly reduced in BMC obtained from diagnosed ACM patients and preclinical variant carriers when compared to controls. This effect was independent from age and sex. Moderate to strong correlations were found with the revised 2010 Task Force Criteria score which is commonly used for ACM diagnosis (r_s = −0.67, n = 64, p < 0.0001 and r_s = −0.71, n = 64, p < 0.0001). In contrast, plakoglobin scores in PLN p.Arg14del patients were comparable to controls (p > 0.209), which suggests differences in underlying etiology. However, for the individual diagnosis of the ‘classical’ ACM patient, this method might not be discriminative enough to distinguish true patients from variant carriers and controls, because of the high interindividual variability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Physiology of Striated Muscle Tissues)

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16 pages, 3053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

X-ray Diffraction Analysis to Explore Molecular Traces of Eccentric Contraction on Rat Skeletal Muscle Parallelly Evaluated with Signal Protein Phosphorylation Levels

by Kazuhiro Hirano, Hideki Yamauchi, Naoya Nakahara, Kazuo Kinoshita, Maki Yamaguchi and Shigeru Takemori

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(23), 12644; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222312644 - 23 Nov 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1844

Abstract

We performed X-ray diffraction analyses on rat plantaris muscle to determine if there are strain-specific structural changes at the molecular level after eccentric contraction (ECC). ECC was elicited in situ by supramaximal electrical stimulation through the tibial nerve. One hour after a series [...] Read more.

We performed X-ray diffraction analyses on rat plantaris muscle to determine if there are strain-specific structural changes at the molecular level after eccentric contraction (ECC). ECC was elicited in situ by supramaximal electrical stimulation through the tibial nerve. One hour after a series of ECC sessions, the structural changes that remained in the sarcomere were evaluated using X-ray diffraction. Proteins involved in cell signaling pathways in the muscle were also examined. ECC elicited by 100, 75, and 50 Hz stimulation respectively developed peak tension of 1.34, 1.12 and 0.79 times the isometric maximal tetanus tension. The series of ECC sessions phosphorylated the forkhead box O proteins (FoxO) in a tension-time integral-dependent manner, as well as phosphorylated the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and a protein in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in a maximal tension dependent manner. Compared to isometric contractions, ECC was more efficient in phosphorylating the signaling proteins. X-ray diffraction revealed that the myofilament lattice was preserved even after intense ECC stimulation at 100 Hz. Additionally, ECC < 75 Hz preserved the molecular alignment of myoproteins along the myofilaments, while 75-Hz stimulation induced a slight but significant decrease in the intensity of meridional troponin reflection at 1/38 nm⁻¹, and of myosin reflection at 1/14.4 nm⁻¹. These two reflections demonstrated no appreciable decrease with triple repetitions of the standard series of ECC sessions at 50 Hz, suggesting that the intensity decrease depended on the instantaneous maximal tension development rather than the total load of contraction, and was more likely linked with the phosphorylation of MAPK and mTOR signaling proteins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Physiology of Striated Muscle Tissues)

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22 pages, 3890 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Contribution of a Thermodynamic and Mechanical Destabilization of Myosin-Binding Protein C Domain C2 to the Pathomechanism of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy-Causing Double Mutation MYBPC3^Δ25bp/D389V

by Frederic V. Schwäbe, Emanuel K. Peter, Manuel H. Taft and Dietmar J. Manstein

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, 22(21), 11949; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111949 - 4 Nov 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2668

Abstract

Mutations in the gene encoding cardiac myosin-binding protein-C (MyBPC), a thick filament assembly protein that stabilizes sarcomeric structure and regulates cardiac function, are a common cause for the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. About 10% of carriers of the Δ25bp variant of MYBPC3, [...] Read more.

Mutations in the gene encoding cardiac myosin-binding protein-C (MyBPC), a thick filament assembly protein that stabilizes sarcomeric structure and regulates cardiac function, are a common cause for the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. About 10% of carriers of the Δ25bp variant of MYBPC3, which is common in individuals from South Asia, are also carriers of the D389V variant on the same allele. Compared with noncarriers and those with MYBPC3^Δ25bp alone, indicators for the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy occur with increased frequency in MYBPC3^Δ25bp/D389V carriers. Residue D389 lies in the IgI-like C2 domain that is part of the N-terminal region of MyBPC. To probe the effects of mutation D389V on structure, thermostability, and protein–protein interactions, we produced and characterized wild-type and mutant constructs corresponding to the isolated 10 kDa C2 domain and a 52 kDa N-terminal fragment that includes subdomains C0 to C2. Our results show marked reductions in the melting temperatures of D389V mutant constructs. Interactions of construct C0–C2 D389V with the cardiac isoforms of myosin-2 and actin remain unchanged. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal changes in the stiffness and conformer dynamics of domain C2 caused by mutation D389V. Our results suggest a pathomechanism for the development of HCM based on the toxic buildup of misfolded protein in young MYBPC3^Δ25bp/D389V carriers that is supplanted and enhanced by C-zone haploinsufficiency at older ages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Physiology of Striated Muscle Tissues)

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Review

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17 pages, 1891 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Muscle LIM Protein in Mechanotransduction Process

by Philippe Germain, Anthony Delalande and Chantal Pichon

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(17), 9785; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23179785 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2855

Abstract

The induction of protein synthesis is crucial to counteract the deconditioning of neuromuscular system and its atrophy. In the past, hormones and cytokines acting as growth factors involved in the intracellular events of these processes have been identified, while the implications of signaling [...] Read more.

The induction of protein synthesis is crucial to counteract the deconditioning of neuromuscular system and its atrophy. In the past, hormones and cytokines acting as growth factors involved in the intracellular events of these processes have been identified, while the implications of signaling pathways associated with the anabolism/catabolism ratio in reference to the molecular mechanism of skeletal muscle hypertrophy have been recently identified. Among them, the mechanotransduction resulting from a mechanical stress applied to the cell appears increasingly interesting as a potential pathway for therapeutic intervention. At present, there is an open question regarding the type of stress to apply in order to induce anabolic events or the type of mechanical strain with respect to the possible mechanosensing and mechanotransduction processes involved in muscle cells protein synthesis. This review is focused on the muscle LIM protein (MLP), a structural and mechanosensing protein with a LIM domain, which is expressed in the sarcomere and costamere of striated muscle cells. It acts as a transcriptional cofactor during cell proliferation after its nuclear translocation during the anabolic process of differentiation and rebuilding. Moreover, we discuss the possible opportunity of stimulating this mechanotransduction process to counteract the muscle atrophy induced by anabolic versus catabolic disorders coming from the environment, aging or myopathies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Physiology of Striated Muscle Tissues)

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20 pages, 2087 KiB

Open AccessReview

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness and Sarcopenia

by Marcela Kanova and Pavel Kohout

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8396; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158396 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2879

Abstract

Skeletal muscle is a highly adaptable organ, and its amount declines under catabolic conditions such as critical illness. Aging is accompanied by a gradual loss of muscle, especially when physical activity decreases. Intensive care unit-acquired weakness is a common and highly serious neuromuscular [...] Read more.

Skeletal muscle is a highly adaptable organ, and its amount declines under catabolic conditions such as critical illness. Aging is accompanied by a gradual loss of muscle, especially when physical activity decreases. Intensive care unit-acquired weakness is a common and highly serious neuromuscular complication in critically ill patients. It is a consequence of critical illness and is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response, leading to metabolic stress, that causes the development of multiple organ dysfunction. Muscle dysfunction is an important component of this syndrome, and the degree of catabolism corresponds to the severity of the condition. The population of critically ill is aging; thus, we face another negative effect—sarcopenia—the age-related decline of skeletal muscle mass and function. Low-grade inflammation gradually accumulates over time, inhibits proteosynthesis, worsens anabolic resistance, and increases insulin resistance. The cumulative consequence is a gradual decline in muscle recovery and muscle mass. The clinical manifestation for both of the above conditions is skeletal muscle weakness, with macromolecular damage, and a common mechanism—mitochondrial dysfunction. In this review, we compare the molecular mechanisms underlying the two types of muscle atrophy, and address questions regarding possible shared molecular mechanisms, and whether critical illness accelerates the aging process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Physiology of Striated Muscle Tissues)

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20 pages, 744 KiB

Open AccessReview

Calpains as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Myocardial Hypertrophy

by David Aluja, Sara Delgado-Tomás, Marisol Ruiz-Meana, José A. Barrabés and Javier Inserte

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(8), 4103; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23084103 - 7 Apr 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3531

Abstract

Despite advances in its treatment, heart failure remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, evidencing an urgent need for novel mechanism-based targets and strategies. Myocardial hypertrophy, caused by a wide variety of chronic stress stimuli, represents an independent risk factor for the [...] Read more.

Despite advances in its treatment, heart failure remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality, evidencing an urgent need for novel mechanism-based targets and strategies. Myocardial hypertrophy, caused by a wide variety of chronic stress stimuli, represents an independent risk factor for the development of heart failure, and its prevention constitutes a clinical objective. Recent studies performed in preclinical animal models support the contribution of the Ca²⁺-dependent cysteine proteases calpains in regulating the hypertrophic process and highlight the feasibility of their long-term inhibition as a pharmacological strategy. In this review, we discuss the existing evidence implicating calpains in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, as well as the latest advances in unraveling the underlying mechanisms. Finally, we provide an updated overview of calpain inhibitors that have been explored in preclinical models of cardiac hypertrophy and the progress made in developing new compounds that may serve for testing the efficacy of calpain inhibition in the treatment of pathological cardiac hypertrophy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Physiology of Striated Muscle Tissues)

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