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Zhang X, Ni H, Morotti S, Smith CER, Sato D, Louch WE, Edwards AG, Grandi E. Mechanisms of spontaneous Ca 2+ release-mediated arrhythmia in a novel 3D human atrial myocyte model: I. Transverse-axial tubule variation. J Physiol 2022. [PMID: 36094888 PMCID: PMC10008525 DOI: 10.1113/jp283363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular calcium (Ca2+ ) cycling is tightly regulated in the healthy heart ensuring effective contraction. This is achieved by transverse (t)-tubule membrane invaginations that facilitate close coupling of key Ca2+ -handling proteins such as the L-type Ca2+ channel and Na+ -Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) on the cell surface with ryanodine receptors (RyRs) on the intracellular Ca2+ store. Although less abundant and regular than in the ventricle, t-tubules also exist in atrial myocytes as a network of transverse invaginations with axial extensions known as the transverse-axial tubule system (TATS). In heart failure and atrial fibrillation, there is TATS remodelling that is associated with aberrant Ca2+ -handling and Ca2+ -induced arrhythmic activity; however, the mechanism underlying this is not fully understood. To address this, we developed a novel 3D human atrial myocyte model that couples electrophysiology and Ca2+ -handling with variable TATS organization and density. We extensively parameterized and validated our model against experimental data to build a robust tool examining TATS regulation of subcellular Ca2+ release. We found that varying TATS density and thus the localization of key Ca2+ -handling proteins has profound effects on Ca2+ handling. Following TATS loss, there is reduced NCX that results in increased cleft Ca2+ concentration through decreased Ca2+ extrusion. This elevated Ca2+ increases RyR open probability causing spontaneous Ca2+ releases and the promotion of arrhythmogenic waves (especially in the cell interior) leading to voltage instabilities through delayed afterdepolarizations. In summary, the present study demonstrates a mechanistic link between TATS remodelling and Ca2+ -driven proarrhythmic behaviour that probably reflects the arrhythmogenic state observed in disease. KEY POINTS: Transverse-axial tubule systems (TATS) modulate Ca2+ handling and excitation-contraction coupling in atrial myocytes, with TATS remodelling in heart failure and atrial fibrillation being associated with altered Ca2+ cycling and subsequent arrhythmogenesis. To investigate the poorly understood mechanisms linking TATS variation and spontaneous Ca2+ release, we built, parameterized and validated a 3D human atrial myocyte model coupling electrophysiology and spatially-detailed subcellular Ca2+ handling governed by the TATS. Simulated TATS loss causes diastolic Ca2+ and voltage instabilities through reduced Na+ -Ca2+ exchanger-mediated Ca2+ removal, cleft Ca2+ accumulation and increased ryanodine receptor open probability, resulting in spontaneous Ca2+ release and promotion of arrhythmogenic waves and delayed afterdepolarizations. At fast electrical rates typical of atrial tachycardia/fibrillation, spontaneous Ca2+ releases are larger and more frequent in the cell interior than at the periphery. Our work provides mechanistic insight into how atrial TATS remodelling can lead to Ca2+ -driven instabilities that may ultimately contribute to the arrhythmogenic state in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianwei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Haibo Ni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Stefano Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Daisuke Sato
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - William E Louch
- Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Cardiac Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andrew G Edwards
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.,Simula Research Laboratory, Lysaker, Norway
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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Landaw J, Zhang Z, Song Z, Liu MB, Olcese R, Chen PS, Weiss JN, Qu Z. Small-conductance Ca 2+-activated K + channels promote J-wave syndrome and phase 2 reentry. Heart Rhythm 2020; 17:1582-1590. [PMID: 32333974 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2020.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium (SK) channels play complex roles in cardiac arrhythmogenesis. SK channels colocalize with L-type Ca2+ channels, yet how this colocalization affects cardiac arrhythmogenesis is unknown. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of colocalization of SK channels with L-type Ca2+ channels in promoting J-wave syndrome and ventricular arrhythmias. METHODS We carried out computer simulations of single-cell and tissue models. SK channels in the model were assigned to preferentially sense Ca2+ in the bulk cytosol, subsarcolemmal space, or junctional cleft. RESULTS When SK channels sense Ca2+ in the bulk cytosol, the SK current (ISK) rises and decays slowly during an action potential, the action potential duration (APD) decreases as the maximum conductance increases, no complex APD dynamics and phase 2 reentry can be induced by ISK. When SK channels sense Ca2+ in the subsarcolemmal space or junctional cleft, ISK can rise and decay rapidly during an action potential in a spike-like pattern because of spiky Ca2+ transients in these compartments, which can cause spike-and-dome action potential morphology, APD alternans, J-wave elevation, and phase 2 reentry. Our results can account for the experimental finding that activation of ISK induced J-wave syndrome and phase 2 reentry in rabbit hearts. CONCLUSION Colocalization of SK channels with L-type Ca2+ channels so that they preferentially sense Ca2+ in the subsarcolemmal or junctional space may result in a spiky ISK, which can functionally play a similar role of the transient outward K+ current in promoting J-wave syndrome and ventricular arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Landaw
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhaoyang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhen Song
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael B Liu
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Riccardo Olcese
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Peng-Sheng Chen
- Krannert Institute of Cardiology and Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - James N Weiss
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhilin Qu
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Department of Computational Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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Ellinwood N, Dobrev D, Morotti S, Grandi E. In Silico Assessment of Efficacy and Safety of I Kur Inhibitors in Chronic Atrial Fibrillation: Role of Kinetics and State-Dependence of Drug Binding. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:799. [PMID: 29163179 PMCID: PMC5681918 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Current pharmacological therapy against atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is limited by moderate efficacy and adverse side effects including ventricular proarrhythmia and organ toxicity. One way to circumvent the former is to target ion channels that are predominantly expressed in atria vs. ventricles, such as KV1.5, carrying the ultra-rapid delayed-rectifier K+ current (IKur). Recently, we used an in silico strategy to define optimal KV1.5-targeting drug characteristics, including kinetics and state-dependent binding, that maximize AF-selectivity in human atrial cardiomyocytes in normal sinus rhythm (nSR). However, because of evidence for IKur being strongly diminished in long-standing persistent (chronic) AF (cAF), the therapeutic potential of drugs targeting IKur may be limited in cAF patients. Here, we sought to simulate the efficacy (and safety) of IKur inhibitors in cAF conditions. To this end, we utilized sensitivity analysis of our human atrial cardiomyocyte model to assess the importance of IKur for atrial cardiomyocyte electrophysiological properties, simulated hundreds of theoretical drugs to reveal those exhibiting anti-AF selectivity, and compared the results obtained in cAF with those in nSR. We found that despite being downregulated, IKur contributes more prominently to action potential (AP) and effective refractory period (ERP) duration in cAF vs. nSR, with ideal drugs improving atrial electrophysiology (e.g., ERP prolongation) more in cAF than in nSR. Notably, the trajectory of the AP during cAF is such that more IKur is available during the more depolarized plateau potential. Furthermore, IKur block in cAF has less cardiotoxic effects (e.g., AP duration not exceeding nSR values) and can increase Ca2+ transient amplitude thereby enhancing atrial contractility. We propose that in silico strategies such as that presented here should be combined with in vitro and in vivo assays to validate model predictions and facilitate the ongoing search for novel agents against AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Ellinwood
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- West German Heart and Vascular Center, Institute of Pharmacology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefano Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Ellinwood N, Dobrev D, Morotti S, Grandi E. Revealing kinetics and state-dependent binding properties of I Kur-targeting drugs that maximize atrial fibrillation selectivity. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2017; 27:093918. [PMID: 28964116 PMCID: PMC5573366 DOI: 10.1063/1.5000226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The KV1.5 potassium channel, which underlies the ultra-rapid delayed-rectifier current (IKur) and is predominantly expressed in atria vs. ventricles, has emerged as a promising target to treat atrial fibrillation (AF). However, while numerous KV1.5-selective compounds have been screened, characterized, and tested in various animal models of AF, evidence of antiarrhythmic efficacy in humans is still lacking. Moreover, current guidelines for pre-clinical assessment of candidate drugs heavily rely on steady-state concentration-response curves or IC50 values, which can overlook adverse cardiotoxic effects. We sought to investigate the effects of kinetics and state-dependent binding of IKur-targeting drugs on atrial electrophysiology in silico and reveal the ideal properties of IKur blockers that maximize anti-AF efficacy and minimize pro-arrhythmic risk. To this aim, we developed a new Markov model of IKur that describes KV1.5 gating based on experimental voltage-clamp data in atrial myocytes from patient right-atrial samples in normal sinus rhythm. We extended the IKur formulation to account for state-specificity and kinetics of KV1.5-drug interactions and incorporated it into our human atrial cell model. We simulated 1- and 3-Hz pacing protocols in drug-free conditions and with a [drug] equal to the IC50 value. The effects of binding and unbinding kinetics were determined by examining permutations of the forward (kon) and reverse (koff) binding rates to the closed, open, and inactivated states of the KV1.5 channel. We identified a subset of ideal drugs exhibiting anti-AF electrophysiological parameter changes at fast pacing rates (effective refractory period prolongation), while having little effect on normal sinus rhythm (limited action potential prolongation). Our results highlight that accurately accounting for channel interactions with drugs, including kinetics and state-dependent binding, is critical for developing safer and more effective pharmacological anti-AF options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Ellinwood
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Dobromir Dobrev
- Institute of Pharmacology, West German Heart and Vascular Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefano Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
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Grandi E, Maleckar MM. Anti-arrhythmic strategies for atrial fibrillation: The role of computational modeling in discovery, development, and optimization. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 168:126-142. [PMID: 27612549 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is associated with increased risk of cerebrovascular stroke, and with several other pathologies, including heart failure. Current therapies for AF are targeted at reducing risk of stroke (anticoagulation) and tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (rate or rhythm control). Rate control, typically achieved by atrioventricular nodal blocking drugs, is often insufficient to alleviate symptoms. Rhythm control approaches include antiarrhythmic drugs, electrical cardioversion, and ablation strategies. Here, we offer several examples of how computational modeling can provide a quantitative framework for integrating multiscale data to: (a) gain insight into multiscale mechanisms of AF; (b) identify and test pharmacological and electrical therapy and interventions; and (c) support clinical decisions. We review how modeling approaches have evolved and contributed to the research pipeline and preclinical development and discuss future directions and challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California Davis, Davis, USA.
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Liberos A, Bueno-Orovio A, Rodrigo M, Ravens U, Hernandez-Romero I, Fernandez-Aviles F, Guillem MS, Rodriguez B, Climent AM. Balance between sodium and calcium currents underlying chronic atrial fibrillation termination: An in silico intersubject variability study. Heart Rhythm 2016; 13:2358-2365. [PMID: 27569443 PMCID: PMC5221730 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2016.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial remodeling as a result of long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) induces substrate modifications that lead to different perpetuation mechanisms than in paroxysmal AF and a reduction in the efficacy of antiarrhythmic treatments. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify the ionic current modifications that could destabilize reentries during chronic AF and serve to personalize antiarrhythmic strategies. METHODS A population of 173 mathematical models of remodeled human atrial tissue with realistic intersubject variability was developed based on action potential recordings of 149 patients diagnosed with AF. The relationship of each ionic current with AF maintenance and the dynamics of functional reentries (rotor meandering, dominant frequency) were evaluated by means of 3-dimensional simulations. RESULTS Self-sustained reentries were maintained in 126 (73%) of the simulations. AF perpetuation was associated with higher expressions of INa and ICaL (P <.01), with no significant differences in the remaining currents. ICaL blockade promoted AF extinction in 30% of these 126 models. The mechanism of AF termination was related with collisions between rotors because of an increase in rotor meandering (1.71 ± 2.01cm2) and presented an increased efficacy in models with a depressed INa (P <.01). CONCLUSION Mathematical simulations based on a population of models representing intersubject variability allow the identification of ionic mechanisms underlying rotor dynamics and the definition of new personalized pharmacologic strategies. Our results suggest that the underlying mechanism of the diverging success of ICaL block as an antiarrhythmic strategy is dependent on the basal availability of sodium and calcium ion channel conductivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Liberos
- ITACA, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain; Cardiology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Miguel Rodrigo
- ITACA, Universitat Politècnica de València, València, Spain
| | - Ursula Ravens
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ismael Hernandez-Romero
- Cardiology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Department of Signal Theory and Communications, Rey Juan Carlos University, Fuenlabrada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Fernandez-Aviles
- Cardiology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Blanca Rodriguez
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andreu M Climent
- Cardiology Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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