Characterization and validation of a preventative therapy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a murine model of the disease.

Currently there is an unmet need for treatments that can prevent hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Using a murine model we previously identified that HCM causing cardiac troponin I mutation Gly203Ser (cTnI-G203S) is associated with increased mitochondrial metabolic activity, consistent with the human condition. These alterations precede development of the cardiomyopathy. Here we examine the efficacy of in vivo treatment of cTnI-G203S mice with a peptide derived against the α-interaction domain of the cardiac L-type calcium channel (AID-TAT) on restoring mitochondrial metabolic activity, and preventing HCM. cTnI-G203S or age-matched wt mice were treated with active or inactive AID-TAT. Following treatment, targeted metabolomics was utilized to evaluate myocardial substrate metabolism. Cardiac myocyte mitochondrial metabolic activity was assessed as alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and flavoprotein oxidation. Cardiac morphology and function were examined using echocardiography. Cardiac uptake was assessed using an in vivo multispectral imaging system. We identified alterations in six biochemical intermediates in cTnI-G203S hearts consistent with increased anaplerosis. We also reveal that AID-TAT treatment of precardiomyopathic cTnI-G203S mice, but not mice with established cardiomyopathy, restored cardiac myocyte mitochondrial membrane potential and flavoprotein oxidation, and prevented myocardial hypertrophy. Importantly, AID-TAT was rapidly targeted to the heart, and not retained by the liver or kidneys. Overall, we identify biomarkers of HCM resulting from the cTnI mutation Gly203Ser, and present a safe, preventative therapy for associated cardiomyopathy. Utilizing AID-TAT to modulate cardiac metabolic activity may be beneficial in preventing HCM in "at risk" patients with identified Gly203Ser gene mutations.

Fidelity and coordination of mitochondrial protein synthesis in health and disease.

The evolutionary acquisition of mitochondria has given rise to the diversity of eukaryotic life. Mitochondria have retained their ancestral α-proteobacterial traits through the maintenance of double membranes and their own circular genome. Their genome varies in size from very large in plants to the smallest in animals and their parasites. The mitochondrial genome encodes essential genes for protein synthesis and has to coordinate its expression with the nuclear genome from which it sources most of the proteins required for mitochondrial biogenesis and function. The mitochondrial protein synthesis machinery is unique because it is encoded by both the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes thereby requiring tight regulation to produce the respiratory complexes that drive oxidative phosphorylation for energy production. The fidelity and coordination of mitochondrial protein synthesis are essential for ATP production. Here we compare and contrast the mitochondrial translation mechanisms in mammals and fungi to bacteria and reveal that their diverse regulation can have unusual impacts on the health and disease of these organisms. We highlight that in mammals the rate of protein synthesis is more important than the fidelity of translation, enabling coordinated biogenesis of the mitochondrial respiratory chain with respiratory chain proteins synthesised by cytoplasmic ribosomes. Changes in mitochondrial protein fidelity can trigger the activation of the diverse cellular signalling networks in fungi and mammals to combat dysfunction in energy conservation. The physiological consequences of altered fidelity of protein synthesis can range from liver regeneration to the onset and development of cardiomyopathy.

Concerted regulation of mitochondrial and nuclear non-coding RNAs by a dual-targeted RNase Z.

The molecular roles of the dually targeted ElaC domain protein 2 (ELAC2) during nuclear and mitochondrial RNA processing in vivo have not been distinguished. We generated conditional knockout mice of ELAC2 to identify that it is essential for life and its activity is non-redundant. Heart and skeletal muscle-specific loss of ELAC2 causes dilated cardiomyopathy and premature death at 4 weeks. Transcriptome-wide analyses of total RNAs, small RNAs, mitochondrial RNAs, and miRNAs identified the molecular targets of ELAC2 in vivo We show that ELAC2 is required for processing of tRNAs and for the balanced maintenance of C/D box snoRNAs, miRNAs, and a new class of tRNA fragments. We identify that correct biogenesis of regulatory non-coding RNAs is essential for both cytoplasmic and mitochondrial protein synthesis and the assembly of mitochondrial ribosomes and cytoplasmic polysomes. We show that nuclear tRNA processing is required for the balanced production of snoRNAs and miRNAs for gene expression and that 3' tRNA processing is an essential step in the production of all mature mitochondrial RNAs and the majority of nuclear tRNAs.

A dendronized polymer variant that facilitates safe delivery of a calcium channel antagonist to the heart.

Therapeutic approaches for myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI) have been ineffective due to limited bioavailability and poor specificity. We have previously shown that a peptide that targets the α-interaction domain of the cardiac L-type calcium channel (AID-peptide) attenuates MI when tethered to transactivator of transcription sequence (TAT) or spherical nanoparticles. However some reservations remain regarding use of these delivery platforms due to the relationship with human immunodeficiency virus, off-target effects and toxicity. Here we investigate the use of linear dendronized polymers (denpols) to deliver AID-peptide as a potential MI therapy using in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models. Optimized denpol-complexed AID-peptide facilitated in vitro cardiac uptake of AID-peptide, and reduced MI. Maximal in vivo cardiac uptake was achieved within the 2 h therapeutic time window for acute myocardial infarction. Importantly, optimized denpol-complexed AID-peptide was not toxic. This platform may represent an alternative therapeutic approach for the prevention of MI.

Lack of Strategic Funding and Long-Term Job Security Threaten to Have Profound Effects on Cardiovascular Researcher Retention in Australia.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia. Investment in research solutions has been demonstrated to yield health and a 9.8-fold return economic benefit. The sector, however, is severely challenged with success rates of traditional peer-reviewed funding in decline. Here, we aimed to understand the perceived challenges faced by the cardiovascular workforce in Australia prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We used an online survey distributed across Australian cardiovascular societies/councils, universities and research institutes over a period of 6 months during 2019, with 548 completed responses. Inclusion criteria included being an Australian resident or an Australian citizen who lived overseas, and a current or past student or employee in the field of cardiovascular research. RESULTS: The mean age of respondents was 42±13 years, 47% were male, 85% had a full-time position, and 40% were a group leader or laboratory head. Twenty-three per cent (23%) had permanent employment, and 82% of full-time workers regularly worked >40 hours/week. Sixty-eight per cent (68%) said they had previously considered leaving the cardiovascular research sector. If their position could not be funded in the next few years, a staggering 91% of respondents would leave the sector. Compared to PhD- and age-matched men, women were less likely to be a laboratory head and to feel they had a long-term career path as a cardiovascular researcher, while more women were unsure about future employment and had considered leaving the sector (all p<0.05). Greater job security (76%) and government and philanthropic investment in cardiovascular research (72%) were highlighted by responders as the main changes to current practices that would encourage them to stay. CONCLUSION: Strategic solutions, such as diversification of career pathways and funding sources, and moving from a competitive to a collaborative culture, need to be a priority to decrease reliance on government funding and allow cardiovascular researchers to thrive.

Impaired calcium handling and mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction as early markers of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disorder, characterised by myocyte remodeling, disorganisation of sarcomeric proteins, impaired energy metabolism and altered cardiac contractility. Gene mutations encoding cardiac contractile proteins account for 60% of HCM aetiology. Current drug therapy including L-type calcium channel antagonists, are used to manage symptoms in patients with overt HCM, but no treatment exists that can reverse or prevent the cardiomyopathy. Design of effective drug therapy will require a clear understanding of the early pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease. Numerous studies have investigated specific aspects of HCM pathophysiology. This review brings these findings together, in order to develop a holistic understanding of the early pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease. We focus on gene mutations in cardiac myosin binding protein-C, ß-cardiac myosin heavy chain, cardiac troponin I, and cardiac troponin T, that comprise the majority of all HCM sarcomeric gene mutations. We find that although some similarities exist, each mutation leads to mutation-specific alterations in calcium handling, myofilament calcium sensitivity and mitochondrial metabolic function. This may contribute to the observed clinical phenotypic variability in sarcomeric-related HCM. An understanding of early mutation-specific mechanisms of the disease may provide useful markers of disease progression, and inform therapeutic design.

Mutation in MRPS34 compromises protein synthesis and causes mitochondrial dysfunction.

The evolutionary divergence of mitochondrial ribosomes from their bacterial and cytoplasmic ancestors has resulted in reduced RNA content and the acquisition of mitochondria-specific proteins. The mitochondrial ribosomal protein of the small subunit 34 (MRPS34) is a mitochondria-specific ribosomal protein found only in chordates, whose function we investigated in mice carrying a homozygous mutation in the nuclear gene encoding this protein. The Mrps34 mutation causes a significant decrease of this protein, which we show is required for the stability of the 12S rRNA, the small ribosomal subunit and actively translating ribosomes. The synthesis of all 13 mitochondrially-encoded polypeptides is compromised in the mutant mice, resulting in reduced levels of mitochondrial proteins and complexes, which leads to decreased oxygen consumption and respiratory complex activity. The Mrps34 mutation causes tissue-specific molecular changes that result in heterogeneous pathology involving alterations in fractional shortening of the heart and pronounced liver dysfunction that is exacerbated with age. The defects in mitochondrial protein synthesis in the mutant mice are caused by destabilization of the small ribosomal subunit that affects the stability of the mitochondrial ribosome with age.

Impaired functional communication between the L-type calcium channel and mitochondria contributes to metabolic inhibition in the mdx heart.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal X-linked disease characterized by the absence of dystrophin. Approximately 20% of boys will die of dilated cardiomyopathy that is associated with cytoskeletal protein disarray, contractile dysfunction, and reduced energy production. However, the mechanisms for altered energy metabolism are not yet fully clarified. Calcium influx through the L-type Ca(2+) channel is critical for maintaining cardiac excitation and contraction. The L-type Ca(2+) channel also regulates mitochondrial function and metabolic activity via transmission of movement of the auxiliary beta subunit through intermediate filament proteins. Here, we find that activation of the L-type Ca(2+) channel is unable to induce increases in mitochondrial membrane potential and metabolic activity in intact cardiac myocytes from the murine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (mdx) despite robust increases recorded in wt myocytes. Treatment of mdx mice with morpholino oligomers to induce exon skipping of dystrophin exon 23 (that results in functional dystrophin accumulation) or application of a peptide that resulted in block of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) "rescued" mitochondrial membrane potential and metabolic activity in mdx myocytes. The mitochondrial VDAC coimmunoprecipitated with the L-type Ca(2+) channel. We conclude that the absence of dystrophin in the mdx ventricular myocyte leads to impaired functional communication between the L-type Ca(2+) channel and mitochondrial VDAC. This appears to contribute to metabolic inhibition. These findings provide new mechanistic and functional insight into cardiomyopathy associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Choline kinase ß mutant mice exhibit reduced phosphocholine, elevated osteoclast activity, and low bone mass.

The maintenance of bone homeostasis requires tight coupling between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-resorbing osteoclasts. However, the precise molecular mechanism(s) underlying the differentiation and activities of these specialized cells are still largely unknown. Here, we identify choline kinase ß (CHKB), a kinase involved in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, as a novel regulator of bone homeostasis. Choline kinase ß mutant mice (flp/flp) exhibit a systemic low bone mass phenotype. Consistently, osteoclast numbers and activity are elevated in flp/flp mice. Interestingly, osteoclasts derived from flp/flp mice exhibit reduced sensitivity to excessive levels of extracellular calcium, which could account for the increased bone resorption. Conversely, supplementation of cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine in vivo and in vitro, a regimen that bypasses CHKB deficiency, restores osteoclast numbers to physiological levels. Finally, we demonstrate that, in addition to modulating osteoclast formation and function, loss of CHKB corresponds with a reduction in bone formation by osteoblasts. Taken together, these data posit CHKB as a new modulator of bone homeostasis.

Verapamil is Less Effective than Triamcinolone for Prevention of Keloid Scar Recurrence After Excision in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

A double-blind randomized controlled trial with a paired split-scar design compared verapamil, an L-type Ca2+ channel antagonist, and triamcinolone for prevention of keloid recurrence after excision. Ca2+ channel blocking activity of verapamil in keloid cells was explored. One keloid was excised per subject and each wound half randomized to receive intralesional injections of triamcinolone (10 mg/ml) or verapamil (2.5 mg/ml) at monthly intervals (4 doses). Interim analysis was performed after 14 subjects were completed. Survival analysis demonstrated significantly higher keloid recurrence with verapamil compared to triamcinolone 12 months post-surgery (log-rank test, p = 0.01) and higher overall risk of recurrence with verapamil (hazard ratio 8.44, 95% CI 1.62-44.05). The study was terminated early according to the stopping guideline (p < 0.05). Verapamil is safe but not as effective as triamcinolone in preventing keloid recurrence after excision. Further study is necessary to determine if clinical response to verapamil is linked to modulation of intracellular Ca2+.

How does calcium regulate mitochondrial energetics in the heart? - new insights.

Maintenance of cellular calcium homeostasis is critical to regulating mitochondrial ATP production and cardiac contraction. The ion channel known as the L-type calcium channel is the main route for calcium entry into cardiac myocytes. The channel associates with cytoskeletal proteins that assist with the communication of signals from the plasma membrane to intracellular organelles, including mitochondria. This article explores the roles of calcium and the cytoskeleton in regulation of mitochondrial function in response to alterations in L-type calcium channel activity. Direct activation of the L-type calcium channel results in an increase in intracellular calcium and increased mitochondrial calcium uptake. As a result, mitochondrial NADH production, oxygen consumption and reactive oxygen species production increase. In addition the L-type calcium channel is able to regulate mitochondrial membrane potential via cytoskeletal proteins when conformational changes in the channel occur during activation and inactivation. Since the L-type calcium channel is the initiator of contraction, a functional coupling between the channel and mitochondria via the cytoskeleton may represent a synchronised process by which mitochondrial function is regulated in addition to calcium influx to meet myocardial energy demand on a beat to beat basis.

L-type Ca(2+) channel contributes to alterations in mitochondrial calcium handling in the mdx ventricular myocyte.

The L-type Ca(2+) channel is the main route for calcium entry into cardiac myocytes, and it is essential for contraction. Alterations in whole cell L-type Ca(2+) channel current and Ca(2+) homeostasis have been implicated in the development of cardiomyopathies. Cytoskeletal proteins can influence whole cell L-type Ca(2+) current and mitochondrial function. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a fatal X-linked disease that leads to progressive muscle weakness due to the absence of cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. This includes dilated cardiomyopathy, but the mechanisms are not well understood. We sought to identify the effect of alterations in whole cell L-type Ca(2+) channel current on mitochondrial function in the murine model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (mdx). Activation of the L-type Ca(2+) channel with the dihydropyridine agonist BayK(-) caused a significantly larger increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) in mdx vs. wild-type (wt) ventricular myocytes. Consistent with elevated cytosolic Ca(2+), resting mitochondrial Ca(2+), NADH, and mitochondrial superoxide were significantly greater in mdx vs. wt myocytes. Activation of the channel with BayK(-) caused a further increase in mitochondrial Ca(2+), NADH, and superoxide in mdx myocytes. The ratios of the increases were similar to the ratios recorded in wt myocytes. In mitochondria isolated from 8-wk-old mdx hearts, respiration and mitochondrial electron transport chain complex activity were similar to mitochondria isolated from wt hearts. We conclude that mitochondria function at a higher level of resting calcium in the intact mdx myocyte and activation of the L-type Ca(2+) channel contributes to alterations in calcium handling by the mitochondria. This perturbation may contribute to the development of cardiomyopathy.

Role of the cytoskeleton in communication between L-type Ca(2+) channels and mitochondria.

The L-type Ca(2+) channel is the main route for Ca(2+) entry into cardiac myocytes, which is essential for the maintenance of cardiac excitation and contraction. Alterations in L-type Ca(2+) channel activity and Ca(2+) homeostasis have been implicated in the development of cardiomyopathies. Cardiac excitation and contraction is fuelled by ATP, synthesized predominantly by the mitochondria via the Ca(2+)-dependent process oxidative phosphorylation. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) are by-products of oxidative phosphorylation and are associated with the development of cardiac pathology. The cytoskeleton plays a role in the communication of signals from the plasma membrane to intracellular organelles. There is good evidence that both L-type Ca(2+) channel activity and mitochondrial function can be modulated by changes in the cytoskeletal network. Activation of the L-type Ca(2+) channel can regulate mitochondrial function through cytoskeletal proteins as a result of transmission of movement from the ß(2)-subunit of the channel that occurs during activation and inactivation of the channel. An association between cytoskeletal proteins and the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) may play a role in this response. The L-type Ca(2+) channel is the initiator of contraction in cardiac muscle and the VDAC is responsible for regulating mitochondrial ATP/ADP trafficking. This article presents evidence that a functional coupling between L-type Ca(2+) channels and mitochondria may assist in meeting myocardial energy demand on a beat-to-beat basis.

Cytoskeletal disarray increases arrhythmogenic vulnerability during sympathetic stimulation in a model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHC) patients are advised to avoid strenuous exercise due to increased risk of arrhythmias. Mice expressing the human FHC-causing mutation R403Q in the myosin heavy chain gene (MYH6) recapitulate the human phenotype, including cytoskeletal disarray and increased arrhythmia susceptibility. Following in vivo administration of isoproterenol, mutant mice exhibited tachyarrhythmias, poor recovery and fatigue. Arrhythmias were attenuated with the ß-blocker atenolol and protein kinase A inhibitor PKI. Mutant cardiac myocytes had significantly prolonged action potentials and triggered automaticity due to reduced repolarization reserve and connexin 43 expression. Isoproterenol shortened cycle length, and escalated electrical instability. Surprisingly isoproterenol did not increase CaV1.2 current. We found alterations in CaV1.2-ß1 adrenergic receptor colocalization assessed using super-resolution nanoscopy, and increased CaV1.2 phosphorylation in mutant hearts. Our results reveal for the first time that altered ion channel expression, co-localization and ß-adrenergic receptor signaling associated with myocyte disarray contribute to electrical instability in the R403Q mutant heart.

A maladaptive feedback mechanism between the extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton contributes to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy pathophysiology.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is an inherited disorder due to mutations in contractile proteins that results in a stiff, hypercontractile myocardium. To understand the role of cardiac stiffness in disease progression, here we create an in vitro model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy utilizing hydrogel technology. Culturing wild-type cardiac myocytes on hydrogels with a Young's Moduli (stiffness) mimicking hypertrophic cardiomyopathy myocardium is sufficient to induce a hypermetabolic mitochondrial state versus myocytes plated on hydrogels simulating healthy myocardium. Significantly, these data mirror that of myocytes isolated from a murine model of human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (cTnI-G203S). Conversely, cTnI-G203S myocyte mitochondrial function is completely restored when plated on hydrogels mimicking healthy myocardium. We identify a mechanosensing feedback mechanism between the extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal network that regulates mitochondrial function under healthy conditions, but participates in the progression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy pathophysiology resulting from sarcomeric gene mutations. Importantly, we pinpoint key 'linker' sites in this schema that may represent potential therapeutic targets.

The role of the cysteine-rich domain and netrin-like domain of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 in angiogenesis inhibition in vitro.

Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4) is a Wnt signaling antagonist. Classically, sFRP4 antagonizes the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, resulting in decreased cellular proliferation and increased apoptosis. Recent research from our laboratory has established that sFRP4 inhibits angiogenesis by decreasing proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells. The objective of this study was to examine the role of sFRP4's cysteine-rich domain (CRD) and netrin-like domain (NLD) in angiogenesis inhibition. Experiments were carried out to examine cell death and tube formation of endothelial cells after treatment with the CRD and the NLD. The CRD was seen to inhibit tube formation of endothelial cells, which suggests that this domain is important to sFRP4's antiangiogenesis property. In addition, the NLD promoted endothelial cell death and may also inhibit angiogenesis. Furthermore, treatment with the CRD and the NLD increased endothelial intracellular calcium levels. Our findings implicate a role for both the CRD and NLD in angiogenesis inhibition by sFRP4. It is suggestive of alternative antiangiogenic downstream targets of canonical Wnt signaling and a possible importance of the noncanonical Ca2+ Wnt signaling pathway in sFRP4-mediated angiogenesis inhibition.

Mitochondrial mistranslation modulated by metabolic stress causes cardiovascular disease and reduced lifespan.

Changes in the rate and fidelity of mitochondrial protein synthesis impact the metabolic and physiological roles of mitochondria. Here we explored how environmental stress in the form of a high-fat diet modulates mitochondrial translation and affects lifespan in mutant mice with error-prone (Mrps12ep/ep ) or hyper-accurate (Mrps12ha/ha ) mitochondrial ribosomes. Intriguingly, although both mutations are metabolically beneficial in reducing body weight, decreasing circulating insulin and increasing glucose tolerance during a high-fat diet, they manifest divergent (either deleterious or beneficial) outcomes in a tissue-specific manner. In two distinct organs that are commonly affected by the metabolic disease, the heart and the liver, Mrps12ep/ep mice were protected against heart defects but sensitive towards lipid accumulation in the liver, activating genes involved in steroid and amino acid metabolism. In contrast, enhanced translational accuracy in Mrps12ha/ha mice protected the liver from a high-fat diet through activation of liver proliferation programs, but enhanced the development of severe hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and led to reduced lifespan. These findings reflect the complex transcriptional and cell signalling responses that differ between post-mitotic (heart) and highly proliferative (liver) tissues. We show trade-offs between the rate and fidelity of mitochondrial protein synthesis dictate tissue-specific outcomes due to commonly encountered stressful environmental conditions or aging.

A common genetic variant of a mitochondrial RNA processing enzyme predisposes to insulin resistance.

Mitochondrial energy metabolism plays an important role in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance. Recently, a missense N437S variant was identified in the MRPP3 gene, which encodes a mitochondrial RNA processing enzyme within the RNase P complex, with predicted impact on metabolism. We used CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing to introduce this variant into the mouse Mrpp3 gene and show that the variant causes insulin resistance on a high-fat diet. The variant did not influence mitochondrial gene expression markedly, but instead, it reduced mitochondrial calcium that lowered insulin release from the pancreatic islet ß cells of the Mrpp3 variant mice. Reduced insulin secretion resulted in lower insulin levels that contributed to imbalanced metabolism and liver steatosis in the Mrpp3 variant mice on a high-fat diet. Our findings reveal that the MRPP3 variant may be a predisposing factor to insulin resistance and metabolic disease in the human population.

Qo site of mitochondrial complex III is the source of increased superoxide after transient exposure to hydrogen peroxide.

Transient exposure of cardiac myocytes to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) results in further production of superoxide by the mitochondria as a result of increased influx of calcium through the L-type Ca(2+) channel and increased calcium uptake by the mitochondria. The response persists as a result of positive feedback on the channel and induces alterations in protein synthesis and cell size consistent with the development of myocyte hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to investigate the site of increased superoxide production within the mitochondria. Exposure of myocytes to 30 µM H(2)O(2) (5 min) then 10 U/mL catalase (5 min) increased dihydroethidium (DHE) signal by 58.7 ± 12.0% (n=4) compared to myocytes exposed to 0 µM H(2)O(2) for 5 min followed by 10 U/mL catalase (n=9). Complex I inhibitors DPI (n=5) and rotenone (n=7) attenuated the increase in DHE signal due to H(2)O(2). Complex III inhibitors myxothiazol (n=16) and stigmatellin (n=5) also attenuated the increase in DHE signal due to H(2)O(2). However, antimycin A (inhibitor of Q(i) site of complex III) had no effect. We "isolated" complex III in the intact cell by applying succinate in the patch pipette and exposing the cell to rotenone and antimycin A. Myxothiazol and TCA cycle inhibitors α-keto-ß-methyl-n-valeric acid (KMV) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) completely attenuated the increase in DHE signal. Direct activation of the L-type Ca(2+) channel by voltage-step mimicked the increase in DHE signal after transient exposure to H(2)O(2) (47.6 ± 17.8%, n=6) while intracellular application of catalase attenuated the increase in DHE signal due to H(2)O(2) (n=6). We propose that elevated superoxide production after transient exposure to H(2)O(2) occurs at the Q(o) superoxide generation site of complex III in cardiac myocytes and that an increase in TCA cycle activity plays a significant role in mediating the response.

Evidence of altered guinea pig ventricular cardiomyocyte protein expression and growth in response to a 5 min in vitro exposure to H(2)O(2).

Oxidative stress and alterations in cellular calcium homeostasis are associated with the development of cardiac hypertrophy. However, the early cellular mechanisms for the development of hypertrophy are not well understood. Guinea pig ventricular myocytes were exposed to 30 microM H(2)O(2) for 5 min followed by 10 units/mL catalase to degrade the H(2)O(2), and effects on protein expression were examined 48 h later. Transient exposure to H(2)O(2) increased the level of protein synthesis more than 2-fold, assessed as incorporation of [(3)H]leucine (n = 12; p < 0.05). Cell size was increased slightly, but there was no evidence of major cytoskeletal disorganization assessed using fluorescence microscopy. Changes in the expression of individual proteins were assessed using iTRAQ protein labeling followed by mass spectrometry analysis (LC-MALDI-MSMS); 669 proteins were identified, and transient exposure of myocytes to H(2)O(2) altered expression of 35 proteins that were predominantly mitochondrial in origin, including TCA cycle enzymes and oxidative phosphorylation proteins. Consistent with changes in the expression of mitochondrial proteins, transient exposure of myocytes to H(2)O(2) increased the magnitude of the mitochondrial NADH signal 10.5 +/- 2.3% compared to cells exposed to 0 microM H(2)O(2) for 5 min followed by 10 units/mL catalase (n = 8; p < 0.05). In addition, metabolic activity was significantly increased in the myocytes 48 h after transient exposure to H(2)O(2), assessed as formation of formazan from tetrazolium salt. We conclude that a 5 min exposure of ventricular myocytes to 30 microM H(2)O(2) is sufficient to significantly alter protein expression, consistent with the development of hypertrophy in the myocytes. Changes in mitochondrial protein expression and function appear to be early sequelae in the development of hypertrophy.