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Stege NM, Oliveira Nunes Teixeira V, Zijlstra SN, Feringa AM, de Boer RA, Silljé HHW. Deletion of DWORF does not affect cardiac function in aging and in PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H870-H876. [PMID: 38334971 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00741.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
The phospholamban (PLN) pathogenic gene variant p.Arg14del causes cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by perinuclear PLN protein clustering and can lead to severe heart failure (HF). Elevated expression of dwarf open reading frame (DWORF), a protein counteracting the function of PLN in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), can delay disease progression in a PLN-R14del mouse model. Here, we evaluated whether deletion of DWORF (DWORF-/-) would have an opposite effect and accelerate age-dependent disease progression in wild-type (WT) mice and mice with a pathogenic PLN-R14del allele (R14Δ/+). We show that DWORF-/- mice maintained a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) during aging and no difference with WT control mice could be observed up to 20 mo of age. R14Δ/+ mice maintained a normal cardiac function until 12 mo of age, but at 18 mo of age, LVEF was significantly reduced as compared with WT mice. Absence of DWORF did neither accelerate the R14Δ/+-induced reduction in LVEF nor enhance the increases in gene expression of markers related to cardiac remodeling and fibrosis and did not exacerbate cardiac fibrosis caused by the R14Δ/+ mutation. Together, these results demonstrate that absence of DWORF does not accelerate or exacerbate PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy in mice harboring the pathogenic R14del allele. In addition, our data indicate that DWORF appears to be dispensable for cardiac function during aging.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although DWORF overexpression significantly delayed heart failure development and strongly prolonged life span in PLN-R14del mice, the current study shows that deletion of DWORF does not accelerate or exacerbate PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy in mice harboring the pathogenic R14del allele. In addition, DWORF appears to be dispensable for cardiac function during aging. Changes in DWORF gene expression are therefore unlikely to contribute to the clinical heterogeneity observed in patients with PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke M Stege
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sietske N Zijlstra
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna M Feringa
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf A de Boer
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Erasmus MC, Cardiovascular Institute, Thorax Center, Department of Cardiology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Herman H W Silljé
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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2
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Maniezzi C, Eskandr M, Florindi C, Ferrandi M, Barassi P, Sacco E, Pasquale V, Maione AS, Pompilio G, Teixeira VON, de Boer RA, Silljé HHW, Lodola F, Zaza A. Early consequences of the phospholamban mutation PLN-R14del +/- in a transgenic mouse model. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14082. [PMID: 38214033 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14082] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The heterozygous phospholamban (PLN) mutation R14del (PLN R14del+/- ) is associated with a severe arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) developing in the adult. "Superinhibition" of SERCA2a by PLN R14del is widely assumed to underlie the pathogenesis, but alternative mechanisms such abnormal energy metabolism have also been reported. This work aims to (1) to evaluate Ca2+ dynamics and energy metabolism in a transgenic (TG) mouse model of the mutation prior to cardiomyopathy development; (2) to test whether they are causally connected. METHODS Ca2+ dynamics, energy metabolism parameters, reporters of mitochondrial integrity, energy, and redox homeostasis were measured in ventricular myocytes of 8-12 weeks-old, phenotypically silent, TG mice. Mutation effects were compared to pharmacological PLN antagonism and analyzed during modulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and cytosolic Ca2+ compartments. Transcripts and proteins of relevant signaling pathways were evaluated. RESULTS The mutation was characterized by hyperdynamic Ca2+ handling, compatible with a loss of SERCA2a inhibition by PLN. All components of energy metabolism were depressed; myocyte energy charge was preserved under quiescence but reduced during stimulation. Cytosolic Ca2+ buffering or SERCA2a blockade reduced O2 consumption with larger effect in the mutant. Signaling changes suggest cellular adaptation to perturbed Ca2+ dynamics and response to stress. CONCLUSIONS (1) PLN R14del+/- loses its ability to inhibit SERCA2a, which argues against SERCA2a superinhibition as a pathogenetic mechanism; (2) depressed energy metabolism, its enhanced dependency on Ca2+ and activation of signaling responses point to an early involvement of metabolic stress in the pathogenesis of this ACM model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Maniezzi
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marem Eskandr
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Florindi
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Mara Ferrandi
- Windtree Therapeutics Inc., Warrington, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paolo Barassi
- Windtree Therapeutics Inc., Warrington, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elena Sacco
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Pasquale
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela S Maione
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Unit of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dentist Sciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Rudolf A de Boer
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, University of Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Herman H W Silljé
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Zaza
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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3
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Mattiazzi A, Kranias EG. Unleashing the Power of Genetics: PLN Ablation, Phospholambanopathies and Evolving Challenges. Circ Res 2024; 134:138-142. [PMID: 38236951 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Mattiazzi
- Centro de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Centro Cientifico Tecnologico-La Plata CONICET (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, Argentina (A.M.)
| | - Evangelia G Kranias
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH (E.G.K.)
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4
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Ronchi C, Galli C, Tullii G, Marzuoli C, Mazzola M, Malferrari M, Crasto S, Rapino S, Di Pasquale E, Antognazza MR. Nongenetic Optical Modulation of Pluripotent Stem Cells Derived Cardiomyocytes Function in the Red Spectral Range. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2304303. [PMID: 37948328 PMCID: PMC10797444 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202304303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Optical stimulation in the red/near infrared range recently gained increasing interest, as a not-invasive tool to control cardiac cell activity and repair in disease conditions. Translation of this approach to therapy is hampered by scarce efficacy and selectivity. The use of smart biocompatible materials, capable to act as local, NIR-sensitive interfaces with cardiac cells, may represent a valuable solution, capable to overcome these limitations. In this work, a far red-responsive conjugated polymer, namely poly[2,1,3-benzothiadiazole-4,7-diyl[4,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-4H-cyclopenta[2,1-b:3,4-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl]] (PCPDTBT) is proposed for the realization of photoactive interfaces with cardiomyocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells (hPSC-CMs). Optical excitation of the polymer turns into effective ionic and electrical modulation of hPSC-CMs, in particular by fastening Ca2+ dynamics, inducing action potential shortening, accelerating the spontaneous beating frequency. The involvement in the phototransduction pathway of Sarco-Endoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase (SERCA) and Na+ /Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) is proven by pharmacological assays and is correlated with physical/chemical processes occurring at the polymer surface upon photoexcitation. Very interestingly, an antiarrhythmogenic effect, unequivocally triggered by polymer photoexcitation, is also observed. Overall, red-light excitation of conjugated polymers may represent an unprecedented opportunity for fine control of hPSC-CMs functionality and can be considered as a perspective, noninvasive approach to treat arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Ronchi
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
| | - Camilla Galli
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
| | - Gabriele Tullii
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
| | - Camilla Marzuoli
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
- Politecnico di MilanoPhysics Dept.P.zza L. Da Vinci 32Milano20133Italy
| | - Marta Mazzola
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
| | - Marco Malferrari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna‘‘Giacomo Ciamician,’’via Francesco Selmi 2Bologna40126Italy
| | - Silvia Crasto
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
| | - Stefania Rapino
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna‘‘Giacomo Ciamician,’’via Francesco Selmi 2Bologna40126Italy
| | - Elisa Di Pasquale
- Humanitas Cardio CenterIRCCS Humanitas Research HospitalVia Manzoni 56RozzanoMilan20089Italy
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB)UOS of Milan—National Research Council of Italy (CNR)Milan20138Italy
| | - Maria Rosa Antognazza
- Center for Nano Science and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaMilano20133Italy
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5
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Stege NM, Eijgenraam TR, Oliveira Nunes Teixeira V, Feringa AM, Schouten EM, Kuster DW, van der Velden J, Wolters AH, Giepmans BN, Makarewich CA, Bassel-Duby R, Olson EN, de Boer RA, Silljé HH. DWORF Extends Life Span in a PLN-R14del Cardiomyopathy Mouse Model by Reducing Abnormal Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Clusters. Circ Res 2023; 133:1006-1021. [PMID: 37955153 PMCID: PMC10699510 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.323304] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The p.Arg14del variant of the PLN (phospholamban) gene causes cardiomyopathy, leading to severe heart failure. Calcium handling defects and perinuclear PLN aggregation have both been suggested as pathological drivers of this disease. Dwarf open reading frame (DWORF) has been shown to counteract PLN regulatory calcium handling function in the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (S/ER). Here, we investigated the potential disease-modulating action of DWORF in this cardiomyopathy and its effects on calcium handling and PLN aggregation. METHODS We studied a PLN-R14del mouse model, which develops cardiomyopathy with similar characteristics as human patients, and explored whether cardiac DWORF overexpression could delay cardiac deterioration. To this end, R14Δ/Δ (homozygous PLN-R14del) mice carrying the DWORF transgene (R14Δ/ΔDWORFTg [R14Δ/Δ mice carrying the DWORF transgene]) were used. RESULTS DWORF expression was suppressed in hearts of R14Δ/Δ mice with severe heart failure. Restoration of DWORF expression in R14Δ/Δ mice delayed cardiac fibrosis and heart failure and increased life span >2-fold (from 8 to 18 weeks). DWORF accelerated sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium reuptake and relaxation in isolated cardiomyocytes with wild-type PLN, but in R14Δ/Δ cardiomyocytes, sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium reuptake and relaxation were already enhanced, and no differences were detected between R14Δ/Δ and R14Δ/ΔDWORFTg. Rather, DWORF overexpression delayed the appearance and formation of large pathogenic perinuclear PLN clusters. Careful examination revealed colocalization of sarcoplasmic reticulum markers with these PLN clusters in both R14Δ/Δ mice and human p.Arg14del PLN heart tissue, and hence these previously termed aggregates are comprised of abnormal organized S/ER. This abnormal S/ER organization in PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy contributes to cardiomyocyte cell loss and replacement fibrosis, consequently resulting in cardiac dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS Disorganized S/ER is a major characteristic of PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy in humans and mice and results in cardiomyocyte death. DWORF overexpression delayed PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy progression and extended life span in R14Δ/Δ mice, by reducing abnormal S/ER clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke M. Stege
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands (N.M.S., T.R.E., V.O.N.T., A.M.F., E.M.S., R.A.d.B., H.H.W.S.)
| | - Tim R. Eijgenraam
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands (N.M.S., T.R.E., V.O.N.T., A.M.F., E.M.S., R.A.d.B., H.H.W.S.)
| | - Vivian Oliveira Nunes Teixeira
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands (N.M.S., T.R.E., V.O.N.T., A.M.F., E.M.S., R.A.d.B., H.H.W.S.)
| | - Anna M. Feringa
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands (N.M.S., T.R.E., V.O.N.T., A.M.F., E.M.S., R.A.d.B., H.H.W.S.)
| | - Elisabeth M. Schouten
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands (N.M.S., T.R.E., V.O.N.T., A.M.F., E.M.S., R.A.d.B., H.H.W.S.)
| | - Diederik W.D. Kuster
- Department of Physiology (D.W.D.K., J.v.d.V.), Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure and Arrhythmias (D.W.D.K., J.v.d.V.), Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanda van der Velden
- Department of Physiology (D.W.D.K., J.v.d.V.), Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Heart Failure and Arrhythmias (D.W.D.K., J.v.d.V.), Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anouk H.G. Wolters
- Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, UMC Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands (A.H.G.W., B.N.G.G.)
| | - Ben N.G. Giepmans
- Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, UMC Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands (A.H.G.W., B.N.G.G.)
| | - Catherine A. Makarewich
- Division of Molecular Cardiovascular Biology of the Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH (C.A.M.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH (C.A.M.)
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands (N.M.S., T.R.E., V.O.N.T., A.M.F., E.M.S., R.A.d.B., H.H.W.S.)
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (R.B.-D., E.N.O.)
| | - Eric N. Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas (R.B.-D., E.N.O.)
| | - Rudolf A. de Boer
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (R.A.d.B.)
| | - Herman H.W. Silljé
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands (N.M.S., T.R.E., V.O.N.T., A.M.F., E.M.S., R.A.d.B., H.H.W.S.)
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6
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Hawey C, Bourque K, Alim K, Derish I, Rody E, Khan K, Gendron N, Cecere R, Giannetti N, Hébert TE. Measuring Single-Cell Calcium Dynamics Using a Myofilament-Localized Optical Biosensor in hiPSC-CMs Derived from DCM Patients. Cells 2023; 12:2526. [PMID: 37947605 PMCID: PMC10647603 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212526] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Synchronized contractions of cardiomyocytes within the heart are tightly coupled to electrical stimulation known as excitation-contraction coupling. Calcium plays a key role in this process and dysregulated calcium handling can significantly impair cardiac function and lead to the development of cardiomyopathies and heart failure. Here, we describe a method and analytical technique to study myofilament-localized calcium signaling using the intensity-based fluorescent biosensor, RGECO-TnT. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart muscle disease that negatively impacts the heart's contractile function following dilatation of the left ventricle. We demonstrate how this biosensor can be used to characterize 2D hiPSC-CMs monolayers generated from a healthy control subject compared to two patients diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. Lastly, we provide a step-by-step guide for single-cell data analysis and describe a custom Transient Analysis application, specifically designed to quantify features of calcium transients. All in all, we explain how this analytical approach can be applied to phenotype hiPSC-CM behaviours and stratify patient responses to identify perturbations in calcium signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Hawey
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; (C.H.); (K.B.); (K.A.)
| | - Kyla Bourque
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; (C.H.); (K.B.); (K.A.)
| | - Karima Alim
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; (C.H.); (K.B.); (K.A.)
| | - Ida Derish
- Research Institute, McGull University Hospital Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.D.); (E.R.); (K.K.); (N.G.); (R.C.); (N.G.)
| | - Elise Rody
- Research Institute, McGull University Hospital Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.D.); (E.R.); (K.K.); (N.G.); (R.C.); (N.G.)
| | - Kashif Khan
- Research Institute, McGull University Hospital Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.D.); (E.R.); (K.K.); (N.G.); (R.C.); (N.G.)
| | - Natalie Gendron
- Research Institute, McGull University Hospital Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.D.); (E.R.); (K.K.); (N.G.); (R.C.); (N.G.)
| | - Renzo Cecere
- Research Institute, McGull University Hospital Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.D.); (E.R.); (K.K.); (N.G.); (R.C.); (N.G.)
| | - Nadia Giannetti
- Research Institute, McGull University Hospital Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.D.); (E.R.); (K.K.); (N.G.); (R.C.); (N.G.)
| | - Terence E. Hébert
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; (C.H.); (K.B.); (K.A.)
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Moccia F, Fiorio Pla A, Lim D, Lodola F, Gerbino A. Intracellular Ca 2+ signalling: unexpected new roles for the usual suspect. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1210085. [PMID: 37576340 PMCID: PMC10413985 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1210085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytosolic Ca2+ signals are organized in complex spatial and temporal patterns that underlie their unique ability to regulate multiple cellular functions. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) are finely tuned by the concerted interaction of membrane receptors and ion channels that introduce Ca2+ into the cytosol, Ca2+-dependent sensors and effectors that translate the elevation in [Ca2+]i into a biological output, and Ca2+-clearing mechanisms that return the [Ca2+]i to pre-stimulation levels and prevent cytotoxic Ca2+ overload. The assortment of the Ca2+ handling machinery varies among different cell types to generate intracellular Ca2+ signals that are selectively tailored to subserve specific functions. The advent of novel high-speed, 2D and 3D time-lapse imaging techniques, single-wavelength and genetic Ca2+ indicators, as well as the development of novel genetic engineering tools to manipulate single cells and whole animals, has shed novel light on the regulation of cellular activity by the Ca2+ handling machinery. A symposium organized within the framework of the 72nd Annual Meeting of the Italian Society of Physiology, held in Bari on 14-16th September 2022, has recently addressed many of the unexpected mechanisms whereby intracellular Ca2+ signalling regulates cellular fate in healthy and disease states. Herein, we present a report of this symposium, in which the following emerging topics were discussed: 1) Regulation of water reabsorption in the kidney by lysosomal Ca2+ release through Transient Receptor Potential Mucolipin 1 (TRPML1); 2) Endoplasmic reticulum-to-mitochondria Ca2+ transfer in Alzheimer's disease-related astroglial dysfunction; 3) The non-canonical role of TRP Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) as a Rap1A inhibitor in the definition of some cancer hallmarks; and 4) Non-genetic optical stimulation of Ca2+ signals in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Moccia
- Laboratory of General Physiology, Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesco Lodola
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Center for Nano Science and Technology @PoliMi, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gerbino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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8
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Cleary SR, Teng ACT, Kongmeneck AD, Fang X, Phillips TA, Cho EE, Kekenes-Huskey P, Gramolini AO, Robia SL. Dilated cardiomyopathy variant R14del increases phospholamban pentamer stability, blunting dynamic regulation of cardiac calcium handling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.26.542463. [PMID: 37292897 PMCID: PMC10245957 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca 2+ ATPase (SERCA) is a membrane transporter that creates and maintains intracellular Ca 2+ stores. In the heart, SERCA is regulated by an inhibitory interaction with the monomeric form of the transmembrane micropeptide phospholamban (PLB). PLB also forms avid homo-pentamers, and dynamic exchange of PLB between pentamers and the regulatory complex with SERCA is an important determinant of cardiac responsiveness to exercise. Here, we investigated two naturally occurring pathogenic mutations of PLB, a cysteine substitution of arginine 9 (R9C) and an in-frame deletion of arginine 14 (R14del). Both mutations are associated with dilated cardiomyopathy. We previously showed that the R9C mutation causes disulfide crosslinking and hyperstabilization of pentamers. While the pathogenic mechanism of R14del is unclear, we hypothesized that this mutation may also alter PLB homo-oligomerization and disrupt the PLB-SERCA regulatory interaction. SDS-PAGE revealed a significantly increased pentamer:monomer ratio for R14del-PLB when compared to WT-PLB. In addition, we quantified homo-oligomerization and SERCA-binding in live cells using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy. R14del-PLB showed an increased affinity for homo-oligomerization and decreased binding affinity for SERCA compared to WT, suggesting that, like R9C, the R14del mutation stabilizes PLB in its pentameric form, decreasing its ability to regulate SERCA. Moreover, the R14del mutation reduces the rate of PLB unbinding from the pentamer after a transient Ca 2+ elevation, limiting the rate of re-binding to SERCA. A computational model predicted that hyperstabilization of PLB pentamers by R14del impairs the ability of cardiac Ca 2+ handling to respond to changing heart rates between rest and exercise. We postulate that impaired responsiveness to physiological stress contributes to arrhythmogenesis in human carriers of the R14del mutation.
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9
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Zanotti S, Ripolone M, Napoli L, Velardo D, Salani S, Ciscato P, Priori S, Kukavica D, Mazzanti A, Diamanti L, Vegezzi E, Moggio M, Corti S, Comi G, Sciacco M. Characterization of Skeletal Muscle Biopsy and Derived Myoblasts in a Patient Carrying Arg14del Mutation in Phospholamban Gene. Cells 2023; 12:1405. [PMID: 37408239 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholamban is involved in the regulation of the activity and storage of calcium in cardiac muscle. Several mutations have been identified in the PLN gene causing cardiac disease associated with arrhythmogenic and dilated cardiomyopathy. The patho-mechanism underlying PLN mutations is not fully understood and a specific therapy is not yet available. PLN mutated patients have been deeply investigated in cardiac muscle, but very little is known about the effect of PLN mutations in skeletal muscle. In this study, we investigated both histological and functional features in skeletal muscle tissue and muscle-derived myoblasts from an Italian patient carrying the Arg14del mutation in PLN. The patient has a cardiac phenotype, but he also reported lower limb fatigability, cramps and fasciculations. The evaluation of a skeletal muscle biopsy showed histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural alterations. In particular, we detected an increase in the number of centronucleated fibers and a reduction in the fiber cross sectional area, an alteration in p62, LC3 and VCP proteins and the formation of perinuclear aggresomes. Furthermore, the patient's myoblasts showed a greater propensity to form aggresomes, even more marked after proteasome inhibition compared with control cells. Further genetic and functional studies are necessary to understand whether a definition of PLN myopathy, or cardiomyopathy plus, can be introduced for selected cases with clinical evidence of skeletal muscle involvement. Including skeletal muscle examination in the diagnostic process of PLN-mutated patients can help clarify this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Zanotti
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Ripolone
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Napoli
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniele Velardo
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Salani
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ciscato
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Priori
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, IRCCS ICS Maugeri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Deni Kukavica
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, IRCCS ICS Maugeri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Mazzanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Molecular Cardiology, IRCCS ICS Maugeri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Luca Diamanti
- Neuroncology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Vegezzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Moggio
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Corti
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Comi
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Sciacco
- Neuromuscular and Rare Disease Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
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Kumar M, Haghighi K, Koch S, Rubinstein J, Stillitano F, Hajjar RJ, Kranias EG, Sadayappan S. Myofilament Alterations Associated with Human R14del-Phospholamban Cardiomyopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2675. [PMID: 36768995 PMCID: PMC9917359 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholamban (PLN) is a major regulator of cardiac contractility, and human mutations in this gene give rise to inherited cardiomyopathies. The deletion of Arginine 14 is the most-prevalent cardiomyopathy-related mutation, and it has been linked to arrhythmogenesis and early death. Studies in PLN-humanized mutant mice indicated an increased propensity to arrhythmias, but the underlying cellular mechanisms associated with R14del-PLN cardiac dysfunction in the absence of any apparent structural remodeling remain unclear. The present study addressed the specific role of myofilaments in the setting of R14del-PLN and the long-term effects of R14del-PLN in the heart. Maximal force was depressed in skinned cardiomyocytes from both left and right ventricles, but this effect was more pronounced in the right ventricle of R14del-PLN mice. In addition, the Ca2+ sensitivity of myofilaments was increased in both ventricles of mutant mice. However, the depressive effects of R14del-PLN on contractile parameters could be reversed with the positive inotropic drug omecamtiv mecarbil, a myosin activator. At 12 months of age, corresponding to the mean symptomatic age of R14del-PLN patients, contractile parameters and Ca2+ transients were significantly depressed in the right ventricular R14del-PLN cardiomyocytes. Echocardiography did not reveal any alterations in cardiac function or remodeling, although histological and electron microscopy analyses indicated subtle alterations in mutant hearts. These findings suggest that both aberrant myocyte calcium cycling and aberrant contractility remain specific to the right ventricle in the long term. In addition, altered myofilament activity is an early characteristic of R14del-PLN mutant hearts and the positive inotropic drug omecamtiv mecarbil may be beneficial in treating R14del-PLN cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Kumar
- Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Kobra Haghighi
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Sheryl Koch
- Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jack Rubinstein
- Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Francesca Stillitano
- Division Heart and Lung, Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roger J. Hajjar
- Phospholamban Heart Foundation, Postbus 66, 1775 ZH Middenmeer, The Netherlands
| | - Evangelia G. Kranias
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Sakthivel Sadayappan
- Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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11
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Vafiadaki E, Glijnis PC, Doevendans PA, Kranias EG, Sanoudou D. Phospholamban R14del disease: The past, the present and the future. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1162205. [PMID: 37144056 PMCID: PMC10151546 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1162205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy affects significant number of patients worldwide and is characterized by life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Mutations in multiple genes with diverse functions have been reported to date including phospholamban (PLN), a key regulator of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ homeostasis and cardiac contractility. The PLN-R14del variant in specific is recognized as the cause in an increasing number of patients worldwide, and extensive investigations have enabled rapid advances towards the delineation of PLN-R14del disease pathogenesis and discovery of an effective treatment. We provide a critical overview of current knowledge on PLN-R14del disease pathophysiology, including clinical, animal model, cellular and biochemical studies, as well as diverse therapeutic approaches that are being pursued. The milestones achieved in <20 years, since the discovery of the PLN R14del mutation (2006), serve as a paradigm of international scientific collaboration and patient involvement towards finding a cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Vafiadaki
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: Elizabeth Vafiadaki Despina Sanoudou
| | - Pieter C. Glijnis
- Stichting Genetische Hartspierziekte PLN, Phospholamban Foundation, Wieringerwerf, Netherlands
| | - Pieter A. Doevendans
- Netherlands Heart Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Evangelia G. Kranias
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Despina Sanoudou
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Clinical Genomics and Pharmacogenomics Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: Elizabeth Vafiadaki Despina Sanoudou
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12
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Deiman FE, Bomer N, van der Meer P, Grote Beverborg N. Review: Precision Medicine Approaches for Genetic Cardiomyopathy: Targeting Phospholamban R14del. Curr Heart Fail Rep 2022; 19:170-179. [PMID: 35699837 PMCID: PMC9329159 DOI: 10.1007/s11897-022-00558-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Heart failure is a syndrome with poor prognosis and no curative options for the majority of patients. The standard one-size-fits-all-treatment approach, targeting neurohormonal dysregulations, helps to modulate symptoms of heart failure, but fails to address the cause of the problem. Precision medicine aims to go beyond symptom modulation and targets pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie disease. In this review, an overview of how precision medicine can be approached as a treatment strategy for genetic heart disease will be discussed. PLN R14del, a genetic mutation known to cause cardiomyopathy, will be used as an example to describe the potential and pitfalls of precision medicine. RECENT FINDINGS PLN R14del is characterized by several disease hallmarks including calcium dysregulation, metabolic dysfunction, and protein aggregation. The identification of disease-related biological pathways and the effective targeting using several modalities, including gene silencing and signal transduction modulation, may eventually provide novel treatments for genetic heart disease. We propose a workflow on how to approach precision medicine in heart disease. This workflow focuses on deep phenotyping of patient derived material, including in vitro disease modeling. This will allow identification of therapeutic targets and disease modifiers, to be used for the identification of novel biomarkers and the development of precision medicine approaches for genetic cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik E Deiman
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, UMCG Post-zone AB43, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nils Bomer
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, UMCG Post-zone AB43, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter van der Meer
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, UMCG Post-zone AB43, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Niels Grote Beverborg
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, UMCG Post-zone AB43, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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13
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Aberrant PLN-R14del Protein Interactions Intensify SERCA2a Inhibition, Driving Impaired Ca2+ Handling and Arrhythmogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136947. [PMID: 35805951 PMCID: PMC9266971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Phospholamban (PLN), a key modulator of Ca2+-homeostasis, inhibits sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium-ATPase (SERCA2a) and regulates cardiac contractility. The human PLN mutation R14del has been identified in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy patients worldwide and is currently extensively investigated. In search of the molecular mechanisms mediating the pathological phenotype, we examined PLN-R14del associations to known PLN-interacting partners. We determined that PLN-R14del interactions to key Ca2+-handling proteins SERCA2a and HS-1-associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) were enhanced, indicating the super-inhibition of SERCA2a’s Ca2+-affinity. Additionally, histidine-rich calcium binding protein (HRC) binding to SERCA2a was increased, suggesting the inhibition of SERCA2a maximal velocity. As phosphorylation relieves the inhibitory effect of PLN on SERCA2a activity, we examined the impact of phosphorylation on the PLN-R14del/SERCA2a interaction. Contrary to PLN-WT, phosphorylation did not affect PLN-R14del binding to SERCA2a, due to a lack of Ser-16 phosphorylation in PLN-R14del. No changes were observed in the subcellular distribution of PLN-R14del or its co-localization to SERCA2a. However, in silico predictions suggest structural perturbations in PLN-R14del that could impact its binding and function. Our findings reveal for the first time that by increased binding to SERCA2a and HAX-1, PLN-R14del acts as an enhanced inhibitor of SERCA2a, causing a cascade of molecular events contributing to impaired Ca2+-homeostasis and arrhythmogenesis. Relieving SERCA2a super-inhibition could offer a promising therapeutic approach for PLN-R14del patients.
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14
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Antisense Therapy Attenuates Phospholamban p.(Arg14del) Cardiomyopathy in Mice and Reverses Protein Aggregation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052427. [PMID: 35269571 PMCID: PMC8909937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited cardiomyopathy caused by the p.(Arg14del) pathogenic variant of the phospholamban (PLN) gene is characterized by intracardiomyocyte PLN aggregation and can lead to severe dilated cardiomyopathy. We recently reported that pre-emptive depletion of PLN attenuated heart failure (HF) in several cardiomyopathy models. Here, we investigated if administration of a Pln-targeting antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) could halt or reverse disease progression in mice with advanced PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy. To this aim, homozygous PLN-R14del (PLN-R14 Δ/Δ) mice received PLN-ASO injections starting at 5 or 6 weeks of age, in the presence of moderate or severe HF, respectively. Mice were monitored for another 4 months with echocardiographic analyses at several timepoints, after which cardiac tissues were examined for pathological remodeling. We found that vehicle-treated PLN-R14 Δ/Δ mice continued to develop severe HF, and reached a humane endpoint at 8.1 ± 0.5 weeks of age. Both early and late PLN-ASO administration halted further cardiac remodeling and dysfunction shortly after treatment start, resulting in a life span extension to at least 22 weeks of age. Earlier treatment initiation halted disease development sooner, resulting in better heart function and less remodeling at the study endpoint. PLN-ASO treatment almost completely eliminated PLN aggregates, and normalized levels of autophagic proteins. In conclusion, these findings indicate that PLN-ASO therapy may have beneficial outcomes in PLN-R14del cardiomyopathy when administered after disease onset. Although existing tissue damage was not reversed, further cardiomyopathy progression was stopped, and PLN aggregates were resolved.
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