Structural and functional interactions between the EF hand domain and S2-S3 loop in the type-1 ryanodine receptor ion channel.

Previous cryo-electron micrographs suggested that the skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel, ryanodine receptor (RyR)1, is regulated by intricate interactions between the EF hand Ca2+ binding domain and the cytosolic loop (S2-S3 loop). However, the precise molecular details of these interactions and functional consequences of the interactions remain elusive. Here, we used molecular dynamics simulations to explore the specific amino acid pairs involved in hydrogen bond interactions within the EF hand-S2-S3 loop interface. Our simulations unveiled two key interactions: (1) K4101 (EF hand) with D4730 (S2-S3 loop) and (2) E4075, Q4078, and D4079 (EF hand) with R4736 (S2-S3 loop). To probe the functional significance of these interactions, we constructed mutant RyR1 complementary DNAs and expressed them in HEK293 cells for [3H]ryanodine binding assays. Our results demonstrated that mutations in the EF hand, specifically K4101E and K4101M, resulted in reduced affinities for Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent inhibitions. Interestingly, the K4101E mutation increased the affinity for Ca2+-dependent activation. Conversely, mutations in the S2-S3 loop, D4730K and D4730N, did not significantly change the affinities for Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent inhibitions. Our previous finding that skeletal disease-associated RyR1 mutations, R4736Q and R4736W, impaired Ca2+-dependent inhibition, is consistent with the current results. In silico mutagenesis analysis aligned with our functional data, indicating altered hydrogen bonding patterns upon mutations. Taken together, our findings emphasize the critical role of the EF hand-S2-S3 loop interaction in Ca2+/Mg2+-dependent inhibition of RyR1 and provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies targeting this domain interaction for the treatment of skeletal myopathies.

Structural and functional interactions between the Ca2+-, ATP-, and caffeine-binding sites of skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor (RyR1).

Ryanodine receptor type 1 (RyR1) releases Ca2+ ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal muscle cells to initiate muscle contraction. Multiple endogenous and exogenous effectors regulate RyR1, such as ATP, Ca2+, caffeine (Caf), and ryanodine. Cryo-EM identified binding sites for the three coactivators Ca2+, ATP, and Caf. However, the mechanism of coregulation and synergy between these activators remains to be determined. Here, we used [3H]ryanodine ligand-binding assays and molecular dynamics simulations to test the hypothesis that both the ATP- and Caf-binding sites communicate with the Ca2+-binding site to sensitize RyR1 to Ca2+. We report that either phosphomethylphosphonic acid adenylate ester (AMPPCP), a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog, or Caf can activate RyR1 in the absence or the presence of Ca2+. However, enhanced RyR1 activation occurred in the presence of Ca2+, AMPPCP, and Caf. In the absence of Ca2+, Na+ inhibited [3H]ryanodine binding without impairing RyR1 activation by AMPPCP and Caf. Computational analysis suggested that Ca2+-, ATP-, and Caf-binding sites modulate RyR1 protein stability through interactions with the carboxyterminal domain and other domains in the activation core. In the presence of ATP and Caf but the absence of Ca2+, Na+ is predicted to inhibit RyR1 by interacting with the Ca2+-binding site. Our data suggested that ATP and Caf binding affected the conformation of the Ca2+-binding site, and conversely, Ca2+ binding affected the conformation of the ATP- and Caf-binding sites. We conclude that Ca2+, ATP, and Caf regulate RyR1 through a network of allosteric interactions involving the Ca2+-, ATP-, and Caf-binding sites.

Mapping co-regulatory interactions among ligand-binding sites in ryanodine receptor 1.

Ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1) is an intracellular calcium ion (Ca2+ ) release channel required for skeletal muscle contraction. Although cryo-electron microscopy identified binding sites of three coactivators Ca2+ , ATP, and caffeine (CFF), the mechanism of co-regulation and synergy of these activators is unknown. Here, we report allosteric connections among the three ligand-binding sites and pore region in (i) Ca2+ bound-closed, (ii) ATP/CFF bound-closed, (iii) Ca2+ /ATP/CFF bound-closed, and (iv) Ca2+ /ATP/CFF bound-open RyR1 states. We identified two dominant networks of interactions that mediate communication between the Ca2+ -binding site and pore region in Ca2+ bound-closed state, which partially overlapped with the pore communications in ATP/CFF bound-closed RyR1 state. In Ca2+ /ATP/CFF bound-closed and -open RyR1 states, co-regulatory interactions were analogous to communications in the Ca2+ bound-closed and ATP/CFF bound-closed states. Both ATP- and CFF-binding sites mediate communication between the Ca2+ -binding site and the pore region in Ca2+ /ATP/CFF bound-open RyR1 structure. We conclude that Ca2+ , ATP, and CFF propagate their effects to the pore region through a network of overlapping interactions that mediate allosteric control and molecular synergy in channel regulation.

A central core disease mutation in the Ca2+-binding site of skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor impairs single-channel regulation.

Cryoelectron microscopy and mutational analyses have shown that type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) amino acid residues RyR1-E3893, -E3967, and -T5001 are critical for Ca2+-mediated activation of skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel. De novo missense mutation RyR1-Q3970K in the secondary binding sphere of Ca2+ was reported in association with central core disease (CCD) in a 2-yr-old boy. Here, we characterized recombinant RyR1-Q3970K mutant by cellular Ca2+ release measurements, single-channel recordings, and computational methods. Caffeine-induced Ca2+ release studies indicated that RyR1-Q3970K formed caffeine-sensitive, Ca2+-conducting channel in HEK293 cells. However, in single-channel recordings, RyR1-Q3970K displayed low Ca2+-dependent channel activity and greatly reduced activation by caffeine or ATP. A RyR1-Q3970E mutant corresponds to missense mutation RyR2-Q3925E associated with arrhythmogenic syndrome in cardiac muscle. RyR1-Q3970E also formed caffeine-induced Ca2+ release in HEK293 cells and exhibited low activity in the presence of the activating ligand Ca2+ but, in contrast to RyR1-Q3970K, was activated by ATP and caffeine in single-channel recordings. Computational analyses suggested distinct structural rearrangements in the secondary binding sphere of Ca2+ of the two mutants, whereas the interaction of Ca2+ with directly interacting RyR1 amino acid residues Glu3893, Glu3967, and Thr5001 was only minimally affected. We conclude that RyR1-Q3970 has a critical role in Ca2+-dependent activation of RyR1 and that a missense RyR1-Q3970K mutant may give rise to myopathy in skeletal muscle.

G4941K substitution in the pore-lining S6 helix of the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor increases RyR1 sensitivity to cytosolic and luminal Ca2.

The ryanodine receptor ion channel RyR1 is present in skeletal muscle and has a large cytoplasmic N-terminal domain and smaller C-terminal pore-forming domain comprising six transmembrane helices, a pore helix, and a selectivity filter. The RyR1 S6 pore-lining helix has two conserved glycines, Gly-4934 and Gly-4941, that facilitate RyR1 channel gating by providing S6 flexibility and minimizing amino acid clashes. Here, we report that substitution of Gly-4941 with Asp or Lys results in functional channels as indicated by caffeine-induced Ca2+ release response in HEK293 cells, whereas a low response of the corresponding Gly-4934 variants suggested loss of function. Following purification, the RyR1 mutants G4934D, G4934K, and G4941D did not noticeably conduct Ca2+ in single-channel measurements. Gly-4941 replacement with Lys resulted in channels having reduced K+ conductance and reduced selectivity for Ca2+ compared with wildtype. RyR1-G4941K did not fully close at nanomolar cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations and nearly fully opened at 2 µm cytosolic or sarcoplasmic reticulum luminal Ca2+, and Ca2+- and voltage-dependent regulation of RyR1-G4941K mutant channels was demonstrated. Computational methods and single-channel recordings indicated that the open G4941K variant results in the formation of a salt bridge to Asp-4938. In contrast, wildtype RyR1 was closed and not activated by luminal Ca2+ at low cytosolic Ca2+ levels. A model suggested that luminal Ca2+ activates RyR1 by accessing a recently identified cytosolic Ca2+-binding site in the open channel as the Ca2+ ions pass through the pore.

Ca2+-mediated activation of the skeletal-muscle ryanodine receptor ion channel.

Cryo-electron micrograph studies recently have identified a Ca2+-binding site in the 2,200-kDa ryanodine receptor ion channel (RyR1) in skeletal muscle. To clarify the role of this site in regulating RyR1 activity, here we applied mutational, electrophysiological, and computational methods. Three amino acid residues that interact directly with Ca2+ were replaced, and these RyR1 variants were expressed in HEK293 cells. Single-site RyR1-E3893Q, -E3893V, -E3967Q, -E3967V, and -T5001A variants and double-site RyR1-E3893Q/E3967Q and -E3893V/E3967V variants displayed cellular Ca2+ release in response to caffeine, which indicated that they retained functionality as caffeine-sensitive, Ca2+-conducting channels in the HEK293 cell system. Using [3H]ryanodine binding and single-channel measurements of membrane isolates, we found that single- and double-site RyR1-E3893 and -E3967 variants are not activated by Ca2+ We also noted that RyR1-E3893Q/E3967Q and -E3893V/E3967V variants maintain caffeine- and ATP-induced activation and that RyR1-E3893Q/E3967Q is inhibited by Mg2+ and elevated Ca2+ RyR1-T5001A exhibited decreased Ca2+ sensitivity compared with WT-RyR1 in single-channel measurements. Computational methods suggested that electrostatic interactions between Ca2+ and negatively charged glutamate residues have a critical role in transducing the functional effects of Ca2+ on RyR1. We conclude that the removal of negative charges in the recently identified RyR1 Ca2+-binding site impairs RyR1 activation by physiological Ca2+ concentrations and results in loss of binding to Ca2+ or reduced Ca2+ affinity of the binding site.

Ion-pulling simulations provide insights into the mechanisms of channel opening of the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor.

The type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) mediates Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to initiate skeletal muscle contraction and is associated with muscle diseases, malignant hyperthermia, and central core disease. To better understand RyR1 channel function, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of channel gating and ion permeation. An adequate model of channel gating requires accurate, high-resolution models of both open and closed states of the channel. To this end, we generated an open-channel RyR1 model using molecular simulations to pull Ca2+ through the pore constriction site of a closed-channel RyR1 structure determined at 3.8-Šresolution. Importantly, we find that our open-channel model is consistent with the RyR1 and cardiac RyR (RyR2) open-channel structures reported while this paper was in preparation. Both our model and the published structures show similar rotation of the upper portion of the pore-lining S6 helix away from the 4-fold channel axis and twisting of Ile-4937 at the channel constriction site out of the channel pore. These motions result in a minimum open-channel pore radius of ∼3 Šformed by Gln-4933, rather than Ile-4937 in the closed-channel structure. We also present functional support for our model by mutations around the closed- and open-channel constriction sites (Gln-4933 and Ile-4937). Our results indicate that use of ion-pulling simulations produces a RyR1 open-channel model, which can provide insights into the mechanisms of channel opening complementing those from the structural data.

Channel Gating Dependence on Pore Lining Helix Glycine Residues in Skeletal Muscle Ryanodine Receptor.

Type 1 ryanodine receptors (RyR1s) release Ca(2+) from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to initiate skeletal muscle contraction. The role of RyR1-G4934 and -G4941 in the pore-lining helix in channel gating and ion permeation was probed by replacing them with amino acid residues of increasing side chain volume. RyR1-G4934A, -G4941A, and -G4941V mutant channels exhibited a caffeine-induced Ca(2+) release response in HEK293 cells and bound the RyR-specific ligand [(3)H]ryanodine. In single channel recordings, significant differences in the number of channel events and mean open and close times were observed between WT and RyR1-G4934A and -G4941A. RyR1-G4934A had reduced K(+) conductance and ion selectivity compared with WT. Mutations further increasing the side chain volume at these positions (G4934V and G4941I) resulted in reduced caffeine-induced Ca(2+) release in HEK293 cells, low [(3)H]ryanodine binding levels, and channels that were not regulated by Ca(2+) and did not conduct Ca(2+) in single channel measurements. Computational predictions of the thermodynamic impact of mutations on protein stability indicated that although the G4934A mutation was tolerated, the G4934V mutation decreased protein stability by introducing clashes with neighboring amino acid residues. In similar fashion, the G4941A mutation did not introduce clashes, whereas the G4941I mutation resulted in intersubunit clashes among the mutated isoleucines. Co-expression of RyR1-WT with RyR1-G4934V or -G4941I partially restored the WT phenotype, which suggested lessening of amino acid clashes in heterotetrameric channel complexes. The results indicate that both glycines are important for RyR1 channel function by providing flexibility and minimizing amino acid clashes.

Cardiac myocyte Z-line calmodulin is mainly RyR2-bound, and reduction is arrhythmogenic and occurs in heart failure.

RATIONALE: Calmodulin (CaM) associates with cardiac ryanodine receptor type-2 (RyR2) as an important regulator. Defective CaM-RyR2 interaction may occur in heart failure, cardiac hypertrophy, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. However, the in situ binding properties for CaM-RyR2 are unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to measure the in situ binding affinity and kinetics for CaM-RyR2 in normal and heart failure ventricular myocytes, estimate the percentage of Z-line-localized CaM that is RyR2-bound, and test cellular function of defective CaM-RyR2 interaction. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer in permeabilized myocytes, we specifically resolved RyR2-bound CaM from other potential binding targets and measured CaM-RyR2 binding affinity in situ (Kd=10-20 nmol/L). Using RyR2(ADA/+) knock-in mice, in which half of the CaM-RyR2 binding is suppressed, we estimated that >90% of Z-line CaM is RyR2-bound. Functional tests indicated a higher propensity for Ca2+ wave production and stress-induced ventricular arrhythmia in RyR2(ADA/+) mice. In a post-myocardial infarction rat heart failure model, we detected a decrease in the CaM-RyR2 binding affinity (Kd≈51 nmol/L; ≈3-fold increase) and unaltered RyR2 affinity for the FK506-binding protein FKBP12.6 (Kd~0.8 nmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: CaM binds to RyR2 with high affinity in cardiac myocytes. Physiologically, CaM is bound to >70% of RyR2 monomers and inhibits sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release. RyR2 is the major binding site for CaM along the Z-line in cardiomyocytes, and dissociating CaM from RyR2 can cause severe ventricular arrhythmia. In heart failure, RyR2 shows decreased CaM affinity, but unaltered FKBP 12.6 affinity.

Dyad content is reduced in cardiac myocytes of mice with impaired calmodulin regulation of RyR2.

In cardiac muscle, calmodulin (CaM) regulates the activity of several membrane proteins involved in Ca(2+) homeostasis (CaV1.2; RyR2, SERCA2, PMCA). Three engineered amino acid substitutions in the CaM binding site of the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) in mice (Ryr2 (ADA/ADA) ) strongly affect cardiac function, with impaired CaM inhibition of RyR2, reduced SR Ca(2+) sequestration, and early cardiac hypertrophy and death (Yamaguchi et al., J Clin Invest 117:1344-1353, 2007). We have examined the ultrastructure and RyR2 immunolocalization in WT and Ryr2 (ADA/ADA) hearts at ~10 days after birth. The myocytes show only minor evidence of structural damage: some increase in intermyofibrillar space, with occasional areas of irregular SR disposition and an increase in frequency of smaller myofibrils, despite an increase of about 15 % in average myocyte cross sectional area. Z line streaming, a sign of myofibrillar stress, is limited and fairly rare. Immunolabeling with an anti-RyR2 antibody shows that RyR-positive foci located at the level of the Z lines are less frequent in mutant hearts. A dramatic decrease in the frequency and size of dyads, accompanied by a decrease in occupancy of the gap by RyR2, but without obvious alterations in location and general structure is a notable ultrastructural feature. The data suggest that the uneven distribution of dyads or calcium release sites within the cells resulting from an overall reduction in RyR2 content may contribute to the poor cardiac performance and early death of Ryr2 (ADA/ADA) mice. An unusual fragmentation of mitochondria, perhaps related to imbalances in free cytoplasmic calcium levels, accompanies these changes.

Selecting ions by size in a calcium channel: the ryanodine receptor case study.

Many calcium channels can distinguish between ions of the same charge but different size. For example, when cations are in direct competition with each other, the ryanodine receptor (RyR) calcium channel preferentially conducts smaller cations such as Li(+) and Na(+) over larger ones such as K(+) and Cs(+). Here, we analyze the physical basis for this preference using a previously established model of RyR permeation and selectivity. Like other calcium channels, RyR has four aspartate residues in its GGGIGDE selectivity filter. These aspartates have their terminal carboxyl group in the pore lumen, which take up much of the available space for permeating ions. We find that small ions are preferred by RyR because they can fit into this crowded environment more easily.

Pore dynamics and conductance of RyR1 transmembrane domain.

Ryanodine receptors (RyR) are calcium release channels, playing a major role in the regulation of muscular contraction. Mutations in skeletal muscle RyR (RyR1) are associated with congenital diseases such as malignant hyperthermia and central core disease (CCD). The absence of high-resolution structures of RyR1 has limited our understanding of channel function and disease mechanisms at the molecular level. Previously, we have reported a hypothetical structure of the RyR1 pore-forming region, obtained by homology modeling and supported by mutational scans, electrophysiological measurements, and cryo-electron microscopy. Here, we utilize the expanded model encompassing six transmembrane helices to calculate the RyR1 pore region conductance, to analyze its structural stability, and to hypothesize the mechanism of the Ile4897 CCD-associated mutation. The calculated conductance of the wild-type RyR1 suggests that the proposed pore structure can sustain ion currents measured in single-channel experiments. We observe a stable pore structure on timescales of 0.2 µs, with multiple cations occupying the selectivity filter and cytosolic vestibule, but not the inner chamber. We further suggest that stability of the selectivity filter critically depends on the interactions between the I4897 residue and several hydrophobic residues of the neighboring subunit. Loss of these interactions in the case of polar substitution I4897T results in destabilization of the selectivity filter, a possible cause of the CCD-specific reduced Ca(2+) conductance.

Structural determinants of skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor gating.

Ryanodine receptor type 1 (RyR1) releases Ca(2+) from intracellular stores upon nerve impulse to trigger skeletal muscle contraction. Effector binding at the cytoplasmic domain tightly controls gating of the pore domain of RyR1 to release Ca(2+). However, the molecular mechanism that links effector binding to channel gating is unknown due to lack of structural data. Here, we used a combination of computational and electrophysiological methods and cryo-EM densities to generate structural models of the open and closed states of RyR1. Using our structural models, we identified an interface between the pore-lining helix (Tyr-4912-Glu-4948) and a linker helix (Val-4830-Val-4841) that lies parallel to the cytoplasmic membrane leaflet. To test the hypothesis that this interface controls RyR1 gating, we designed mutations in the linker helix to stabilize either the open (V4830W and T4840W) or closed (H4832W and G4834W) state and validated them using single channel experiments. To further confirm this interface, we designed mutations in the pore-lining helix to stabilize the closed state (Q4947N, Q4947T, and Q4947S), which we also validated using single channel experiments. The channel conductance and selectivity of the mutations that we designed in the linker and pore-lining helices were indistinguishable from those of WT RyR1, demonstrating our ability to modulate RyR1 gating without affecting ion permeation. Our integrated computational and experimental approach significantly advances the understanding of the structure and function of an unusually large ion channel.

Oxygen-coupled redox regulation of the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor-Ca2+ release channel by NADPH oxidase 4.

Physiological sensing of O(2) tension (partial O(2) pressure, pO(2)) plays an important role in some mammalian cellular systems, but striated muscle generally is not considered to be among them. Here we describe a molecular mechanism in skeletal muscle that acutely couples changes in pO(2) to altered calcium release through the ryanodine receptor-Ca(2+)-release channel (RyR1). Reactive oxygen species are generated in proportion to pO(2) by NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and the consequent oxidation of a small set of RyR1 cysteine thiols results in increased RyR1 activity and Ca(2+) release in isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum and in cultured myofibers and enhanced contractility of intact muscle. Thus, Nox4 is an O(2) sensor in skeletal muscle, and O(2)-coupled hydrogen peroxide production by Nox4 governs the redox state of regulatory RyR1 thiols and thereby governs muscle performance. These findings reveal a molecular mechanism for O(2)-based signaling by an NADPH oxidase and demonstrate a physiological role for oxidative modification of RyR1.

Cardiac calcium signalling pathologies associated with defective calmodulin regulation of type 2 ryanodine receptor.

Cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is a homotetramer of 560 kDa polypeptides regulated by calmodulin (CaM), which decreases its open probability at diastolic and systolic Ca(2+) concentrations. Point mutations in the CaM-binding domain of RyR2 (W3587A/L3591D/F3603A, RyR2(ADA)) in mice result in severe cardiac hypertrophy, poor left ventricle contraction and death by postnatal day 16, suggesting that CaM inhibition of RyR2 is required for normal cardiac function. Here, we report on Ca(2+) signalling properties of enzymatically isolated, Fluo-4 dialysed whole cell clamped cardiac myocytes from 10-15-day-old wild-type (WT) and homozygous Ryr2(ADA/ADA) mice. Spontaneously occurring Ca(2+) spark frequency, measured at -80 mV, was 14-fold lower in mutant compared to WT myocytes. ICa, though significantly smaller in mutant myocytes, triggered Ca(2+) transients that were of comparable size to those of WT myocytes, but with slower activation and decay kinetics. Caffeine-triggered Ca(2+) transients were about three times larger in mutant myocytes, generating three- to four-fold bigger Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger NCX currents (INCX). Mutant myocytes often exhibited Ca(2+) transients of variable size and duration that were accompanied by similarly alternating and slowly activating INCX. The data suggest that RyR2(ADA) mutation produces significant reduction in ICa density and ICa-triggered Ca(2+) release gain, longer but infrequently occurring Ca(2+) sparks, larger sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) loads, and spontaneous Ca(2+) releases accompanied by activation of large and potentially arrhythmogenic inward INCX.

Altered Ca2+ concentration, permeability and buffering in the myofibre Ca2+ store of a mouse model of malignant hyperthermia.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is linked to mutations in the type 1 ryanodine receptor, RyR1, the Ca2+ channel of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of skeletal muscle. The Y522S MH mutation was studied for its complex presentation, which includes structurally and functionally altered cell 'cores'. Imaging cytosolic and intra-SR [Ca2+] in muscle cells of heterozygous YS mice we determined Ca2+ release flux activated by clamp depolarization, permeability (P) of the SR membrane (ratio of flux and [Ca2+] gradient) and SR Ca2+ buffering power (B). In YS cells resting [Ca2+]SR was 45% of the value in normal littermates (WT). P was more than doubled, so that initial flux was normal. Measuring [Ca2+]SR(t) revealed dynamic changes in B(t). The alterations were similar to those caused by cytosolic BAPTA, which promotes release by hampering Ca2+-dependent inactivation (CDI). The [Ca2+] transients showed abnormal 'breaks', decaying phases after an initial rise, traced to a collapse in flux and P. Similar breaks occurred in WT myofibres with calsequestrin reduced by siRNA; calsequestrin content, however, was normal in YS muscle. Thus, the Y522S mutation causes greater openness of the RyR1, lowers resting [Ca2+]SR and alters SR Ca2+ buffering in a way that copies the functional instability observed upon reduction of calsequestrin content. The similarities with the effects of BAPTA suggest that the mutation, occurring near the cytosolic vestibule of the channel, reduces CDI as one of its primary effects. The unstable SR buffering, mimicked by silencing of calsequestrin, may help precipitate the loss of Ca2+ control that defines a fulminant MH event.

Cardiac hypertrophy associated with impaired regulation of cardiac ryanodine receptor by calmodulin and S100A1.

The cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is inhibited by calmodulin (CaM) and S100A1. Simultaneous substitution of three amino acid residues (W3587A, L3591D, F3603A; RyR2ADA) in the CaM binding domain of RyR2 results in loss of CaM inhibition at submicromolar (diastolic) and micromolar (systolic) Ca²âº, cardiac hypertrophy, and heart failure in Ryr2ADA/ADA mice. To address whether cardiac hypertrophy results from the elimination of CaM and S100A1 inhibition at diastolic or systolic Ca²âº, a mutant mouse was generated with a single RyR2 amino acid substitution (L3591D; RyR2D). Here we report that in single-channel measurements RyR2-L3591D isolated from Ryr2D/D hearts lost CaM inhibition at diastolic Ca²âº only, whereas S100A1 regulation was eliminated at both diastolic and systolic Ca²âº. In contrast to the ~2-wk life span of Ryr2ADA/ADA mice, Ryr2D/D mice lived longer than 1 yr. Six-month-old Ryr2D/D mice showed a 9% increase in heart weight-to-body weight ratio, modest changes in cardiac morphology, and a twofold increase in atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA levels compared with wild type. After 4-wk pressure overload with transverse aortic constriction, heart weight-to-body weight ratio and atrial natriuretic peptide mRNA levels increased and echocardiography showed changes in heart morphology of Ryr2D/D mice compared with sham-operated mice. Collectively, the findings indicate that the single RyR2-L3591D mutation, which distinguishes the effects of diastolic and systolic Ca²âº, alters heart size and cardiac function to a lesser extent in Ryr2D/D mice than the triple mutation in Ryr2ADA/ADA mice. They further suggest that CaM inhibition of RyR2 at systolic Ca²âº is important for maintaining normal cardiac function.

Modulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release in skeletal muscle expressing ryanodine receptor impaired in regulation by calmodulin and S100A1.

In vitro, calmodulin (CaM) and S100A1 activate the skeletal muscle ryanodine receptor ion channel (RyR1) at submicromolar Ca(2+) concentrations, whereas at micromolar Ca(2+) concentrations, CaM inhibits RyR1. One amino acid substitution (RyR1-L3625D) has previously been demonstrated to impair CaM binding and regulation of RyR1. Here we show that the RyR1-L3625D substitution also abolishes S100A1 binding. To determine the physiological relevance of these findings, mutant mice were generated with the RyR1-L3625D substitution in exon 74, which encodes the CaM and S100A1 binding domain of RyR1. Homozygous mutant mice (Ryr1(D/D)) were viable and appeared normal. However, single RyR1 channel recordings from Ryr1(D/D) mice exhibited impaired activation by CaM and S100A1 and impaired CaCaM inhibition. Isolated flexor digitorum brevis muscle fibers from Ryr1(D/D) mice had depressed Ca(2+) transients when stimulated by a single action potential. However, during repetitive stimulation, the mutant fibers demonstrated greater relative summation of the Ca(2+) transients. Consistently, in vivo stimulation of tibialis anterior muscles in Ryr1(D/D) mice demonstrated reduced twitch force in response to a single action potential, but greater summation of force during high-frequency stimulation. During repetitive stimulation, Ryr1(D/D) fibers exhibited slowed inactivation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release flux, consistent with increased summation of the Ca(2+) transient and contractile force. Peak Ca(2+) release flux was suppressed at all voltages in voltage-clamped Ryr1(D/D) fibers. The results suggest that the RyR1-L3625D mutation removes both an early activating effect of S100A1 and CaM and delayed suppressing effect of CaCaM on RyR1 Ca(2+) release, providing new insights into CaM and S100A1 regulation of skeletal muscle excitation-contraction coupling.

Dysfunctional ryanodine receptor and cardiac hypertrophy: role of signaling molecules.

Mice with three amino acid mutations in the calmodulin binding domain of type-2 ryanodine receptor ion channel (Ryr2(ADA/ADA) mice) have impaired intracellular Ca(2+) handling and cardiac hypertrophy with death at an early age. In this report, the role of signaling molecules implicated in cardiac hypertrophy of Ryr2(ADA/ADA) mice was investigated. Calcineurin A-ß (CNA-ß) and nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) signaling were monitored in mice carrying either luciferase transgene driven by NFAT-dependent promoter or knockout of CNA-ß. NFAT transcriptional activity in Ryr2(ADA/ADA) hearts was not markedly upregulated at embryonic day 16.5 compared with wild-type but significantly increased at postnatal days 1 and 10. Ablation of CNA-ß extended the life span of Ryr2(ADA/ADA) mice and enhanced cardiac function without improving sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) handling or suppressing the expression of genes implicated in cardiac hypertrophy. Embryonic day 16.5 Ryr2(ADA/ADA) mice had normal heart weights with no major changes in Akt1 and class II histone deacetylase phosphorylation and myocyte enhancer factor-2 activity. In contrast, phosphorylation levels of Erk1/2, p90 ribosomal S6 kinases (p90RSKs), and GSK-3ß were increased in hearts of embryonic day 16.5 homozygous mutant mice. The results indicate that an impaired calmodulin regulation of RyR2 was neither associated with an altered CNA-ß/NFAT, class II histone deacetylase (HDAC)/MEF2, nor Akt signaling in embryonic day 16.5 hearts; rather increased Erk1/2 and p90RSK phosphorylation levels likely leading to reduced GSK-3ß activity were found to precede development of cardiac hypertrophy in mice expressing dysfunctional ryanodine receptor ion channel.

Targeted deletion of Dicer in the heart leads to dilated cardiomyopathy and heart failure.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of human morbidity and mortality. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common form of cardiomyopathy associated with heart failure. Here, we report that cardiac-specific knockout of Dicer, a gene encoding a RNase III endonuclease essential for microRNA (miRNA) processing, leads to rapidly progressive DCM, heart failure, and postnatal lethality. Dicer mutant mice show misexpression of cardiac contractile proteins and profound sarcomere disarray. Functional analyses indicate significantly reduced heart rates and decreased fractional shortening of Dicer mutant hearts. Consistent with the role of Dicer in animal hearts, Dicer expression was decreased in end-stage human DCM and failing hearts and, most importantly, a significant increase of Dicer expression was observed in those hearts after left ventricle assist devices were inserted to improve cardiac function. Together, our studies demonstrate essential roles for Dicer in cardiac contraction and indicate that miRNAs play critical roles in normal cardiac function and under pathological conditions.