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Hennis K, Piantoni C, Biel M, Fenske S, Wahl-Schott C. Pacemaker Channels and the Chronotropic Response in Health and Disease. Circ Res 2024; 134:1348-1378. [PMID: 38723033 PMCID: PMC11081487 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Loss or dysregulation of the normally precise control of heart rate via the autonomic nervous system plays a critical role during the development and progression of cardiovascular disease-including ischemic heart disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. While the clinical significance of regulating changes in heart rate, known as the chronotropic effect, is undeniable, the mechanisms controlling these changes remain not fully understood. Heart rate acceleration and deceleration are mediated by increasing or decreasing the spontaneous firing rate of pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node. During the transition from rest to activity, sympathetic neurons stimulate these cells by activating β-adrenergic receptors and increasing intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate. The same signal transduction pathway is targeted by positive chronotropic drugs such as norepinephrine and dobutamine, which are used in the treatment of cardiogenic shock and severe heart failure. The cyclic adenosine monophosphate-sensitive hyperpolarization-activated current (If) in pacemaker cells is passed by hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels and is critical for generating the autonomous heartbeat. In addition, this current has been suggested to play a central role in the chronotropic effect. Recent studies demonstrate that cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent regulation of HCN4 (hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channel isoform 4) acts to stabilize the heart rate, particularly during rapid rate transitions induced by the autonomic nervous system. The mechanism is based on creating a balance between firing and recently discovered nonfiring pacemaker cells in the sinoatrial node. In this way, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels may protect the heart from sinoatrial node dysfunction, secondary arrhythmia of the atria, and potentially fatal tachyarrhythmia of the ventricles. Here, we review the latest findings on sinoatrial node automaticity and discuss the physiological and pathophysiological role of HCN pacemaker channels in the chronotropic response and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Hennis
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Biomedical Center Munich, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (K.H., C.P., C.W.-S.), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Chiara Piantoni
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Biomedical Center Munich, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (K.H., C.P., C.W.-S.), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
| | - Martin Biel
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research (M.B., S.F.), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (M.B., S.F.)
| | - Stefanie Fenske
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research (M.B., S.F.), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (M.B., S.F.)
| | - Christian Wahl-Schott
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Biomedical Center Munich, Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine (K.H., C.P., C.W.-S.), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany
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Kussauer S, Dilk P, Elleisy M, Michaelis C, Lichtwark S, Rimmbach C, David R, Jung J. Heart rhythm in vitro: measuring stem cell-derived pacemaker cells on microelectrode arrays. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1200786. [PMID: 38450366 PMCID: PMC10915086 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1200786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiac arrhythmias have markedly increased in recent decades, highlighting the urgent need for appropriate test systems to evaluate the efficacy and safety of new pharmaceuticals and the potential side effects of established drugs. Methods The Microelectrode Array (MEA) system may be a suitable option, as it provides both real-time and non-invasive monitoring of cellular networks of spontaneously active cells. However, there is currently no commercially available cell source to apply this technology in the context of the cardiac conduction system (CCS). In response to this problem, our group has previously developed a protocol for the generation of pure functional cardiac pacemaker cells from mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). In addition, we compared the hanging drop method, which was previously utilized, with spherical plate-derived embryoid bodies (EBs) and the pacemaker cells that are differentiated from these. Results We described the application of these pacemaker cells on the MEA platform, which required a number of crucial optimization steps in terms of coating, dissociation, and cell density. As a result, we were able to generate a monolayer of pure pacemaker cells on an MEA surface that is viable and electromechanically active for weeks. Furthermore, we introduced spherical plates as a convenient and scalable method to be applied for the production of induced sinoatrial bodies. Conclusion We provide a tool to transfer modeling and analysis of cardiac rhythm diseases to the cell culture dish. Our system allows answering CCS-related queries within a cellular network, both under baseline conditions and post-drug exposure in a reliable and affordable manner. Ultimately, our approach may provide valuable guidance not only for cardiac pacemaker cells but also for the generation of an MEA test platform using other sensitive non-proliferating cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Kussauer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Patrick Dilk
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Moustafa Elleisy
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Claudia Michaelis
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Sarina Lichtwark
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Christian Rimmbach
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Robert David
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Julia Jung
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Rostock University Medical Centre, Rostock, Germany
- Department of Life, Light, & Matter, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Bernava G, Iop L. Advances in the design, generation, and application of tissue-engineered myocardial equivalents. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1247572. [PMID: 37811368 PMCID: PMC10559975 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1247572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the limited regenerative ability of cardiomyocytes, the disabling irreversible condition of myocardial failure can only be treated with conservative and temporary therapeutic approaches, not able to repair the damage directly, or with organ transplantation. Among the regenerative strategies, intramyocardial cell injection or intravascular cell infusion should attenuate damage to the myocardium and reduce the risk of heart failure. However, these cell delivery-based therapies suffer from significant drawbacks and have a low success rate. Indeed, cardiac tissue engineering efforts are directed to repair, replace, and regenerate native myocardial tissue function. In a regenerative strategy, biomaterials and biomimetic stimuli play a key role in promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and neo-tissue formation. Thus, appropriate biochemical and biophysical cues should be combined with scaffolds emulating extracellular matrix in order to support cell growth and prompt favorable cardiac microenvironment and tissue regeneration. In this review, we provide an overview of recent developments that occurred in the biomimetic design and fabrication of cardiac scaffolds and patches. Furthermore, we sift in vitro and in situ strategies in several preclinical and clinical applications. Finally, we evaluate the possible use of bioengineered cardiac tissue equivalents as in vitro models for disease studies and drug tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Iop
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Padua Medical School, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Liu CM, Chen YC, Hu YF. Harnessing cell reprogramming for cardiac biological pacing. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:74. [PMID: 37633890 PMCID: PMC10463311 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00970-y] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical impulses from cardiac pacemaker cardiomyocytes initiate cardiac contraction and blood pumping and maintain life. Abnormal electrical impulses bring patients with low heart rates to cardiac arrest. The current therapy is to implant electronic devices to generate backup electricity. However, complications inherent to electronic devices remain unbearable suffering. Therefore, cardiac biological pacing has been developed as a hardware-free alternative. The approaches to generating biological pacing have evolved recently using cell reprogramming technology to generate pacemaker cardiomyocytes in-vivo or in-vitro. Different from conventional methods by electrical re-engineering, reprogramming-based biological pacing recapitulates various phenotypes of de novo pacemaker cardiomyocytes and is more physiological, efficient, and easy for clinical implementation. This article reviews the present state of the art in reprogramming-based biological pacing. We begin with the rationale for this new approach and review its advances in creating a biological pacemaker to treat bradyarrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Min Liu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Hu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Heart Rhythm Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Faculty of Medicine and Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Manoj P, Kim JA, Kim S, Li T, Sewani M, Chelu MG, Li N. Sinus node dysfunction: current understanding and future directions. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 324:H259-H278. [PMID: 36563014 PMCID: PMC9886352 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00618.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The sinoatrial node (SAN) is the primary pacemaker of the heart. Normal SAN function is crucial in maintaining proper cardiac rhythm and contraction. Sinus node dysfunction (SND) is due to abnormalities within the SAN, which can affect the heartbeat frequency, regularity, and the propagation of electrical pulses through the cardiac conduction system. As a result, SND often increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. SND is most commonly seen as a disease of the elderly given the role of degenerative fibrosis as well as other age-dependent changes in its pathogenesis. Despite the prevalence of SND, current treatment is limited to pacemaker implantation, which is associated with substantial medical costs and complications. Emerging evidence has identified various genetic abnormalities that can cause SND, shedding light on the molecular underpinnings of SND. Identification of these molecular mechanisms and pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of SND is hoped to identify novel therapeutic targets for the development of more effective therapies for this disease. In this review article, we examine the anatomy of the SAN and the pathophysiology and epidemiology of SND. We then discuss in detail the most common genetic mutations correlated with SND and provide our perspectives on future research and therapeutic opportunities in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Manoj
- School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Jitae A Kim
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Stephanie Kim
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Tingting Li
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Maham Sewani
- Department of BioSciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas
| | - Mihail G Chelu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Na Li
- Section of Cardiovascular Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Pivato R, Klimovic S, Kabanov D, Sverák F, Pesl M, Pribyl J, Rotrekl V. hESC derived cardiomyocyte biosensor to detect the different types of arrhythmogenic properties of drugs. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1216:339959. [PMID: 35691674 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339959] [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: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, we introduce a new cell-based biosensor for detecting arrhythmias based on a novel utilization of the combination of the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) lateral force measurement as a nanosensor with a dual 3D cardiomyocyte syncytium. Two spontaneously coupled clusters of cardiomyocytes form this. The syncytium's functional contraction behavior was assessed using video sequences analyzed with Musclemotion ImageJ/Fiji software, and immunocytochemistry evaluated phenotype composition. The application of caffeine solution induced arrhythmia as a model drug, and its spontaneous resolution was monitored by AFM lateral force recording and interpretation and calcium fluorescence imaging as a reference method describing non-synchronized contractions of cardiomyocytes. The phenotypic analysis revealed the syncytium as a functional contractile and conduction cardiac behavior model. Calcium fluorescence imaging was used to validate that AFM fully enabled to discriminate cardiac arrhythmias in this in vitro cellular model. The described novel 3D hESCs-based cellular biosensor is suitable to detect arrhythmic events on the level of cardiac contractile and conduction tissue cellular model. The resulting biosensor allows for screening of arrhythmogenic properties of tailored drugs enabling its use in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Pivato
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center at St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarská 53, 65691, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simon Klimovic
- International Clinical Research Center at St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarská 53, 65691, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute for Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniil Kabanov
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic; Central European Institute for Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Filip Sverák
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center at St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarská 53, 65691, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Pesl
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center at St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarská 53, 65691, Brno, Czech Republic; First Department of Internal Medicine - Cardioangiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarská 53, 65691, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Pribyl
- Central European Institute for Technology, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Vladimir Rotrekl
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center at St. Anne's University Hospital, Pekarská 53, 65691, Brno, Czech Republic.
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