Evaluation of the dystrophin carboxy-terminal domain for micro-dystrophin gene therapy in cardiac and skeletal muscles in the DMDmdx rat model.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a muscle wasting disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin. Gene therapy using micro-dystrophin (MD) transgenes and recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors hold great promise. To overcome the limited packaging capacity of rAAV vectors, most MD do not include dystrophin carboxy-terminal (CT) domain. Yet, the CT domain is known to recruit α1- and ß1-syntrophins and α-dystrobrevin, a part of the dystrophin-associated protein complex (DAPC), which is a signaling and structural mediator of muscle cells. In this study, we explored the impact of inclusion of the dystrophin CT domain on ΔR4-23/ΔCT MD (MD1), in DMDmdx rats, which allows for relevant evaluations at muscular and cardiac levels. We showed by LC-MS/MS that MD1 expression is sufficient to restore the interactions at a physiological level of most DAPC partners in skeletal and cardiac muscles, and that inclusion of the CT domain increases the recruitment of some DAPC partners at supra-physiological levels. In parallel, we demonstrated that inclusion of the CT domain does not improve MD1 therapeutic efficacy on DMD muscle and cardiac pathologies. Our work highlights new evidences of the therapeutic potential of MD1 and strengthens the relevance of this candidate for gene therapy of DMD.

TRPC3, but not TRPC1, as a good therapeutic target for standalone or complementary treatment of DMD.

BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked inherited disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding dystrophin that leads to a severe and ultimately life limiting muscle-wasting condition. Recombinant adeno-associated vector (rAAV)-based gene therapy is promising, but the size of the full-length dystrophin cDNA exceeds the packaging capacity of a rAAV. Alternative or complementary strategies that could treat DMD patients are thus needed. Intracellular calcium overload due to a sarcolemma permeability to calcium (SPCa) increase is an early and critical step of the DMD pathogenesis. We assessed herein whether TRPC1 and TRPC3 calcium channels may be involved in skeletal muscle SPCa alterations and could represent therapeutic targets to treat DMD. METHODS: All experiments were conducted in the DMDmdx rat, an animal model that closely reproduces the human DMD disease. We measured the cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]c) and SPCa in EDL (Extensor Digitorum Longus) muscle fibers from age-matched WT and DMDmdx rats of 1.5 to 7 months old. TRPC1 and TRPC3 expressions were measured in the EDL muscles at both the mRNA and protein levels, by RT-qPCR, western blot and immunocytofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: As expected from the malignant hyperthermia like episodes observed in several DMDmdx rats, calcium homeostasis alterations were confirmed by measurements of early increases in [Ca2+]c and SPCa in muscle fibers. TRPC3 and TRPC1 protein levels were increased in DMDmdx rats. This was observed as soon as 1.5 months of age for TRPC3 but only at 7 months of age for TRPC1. A slight but reliable shift of the TRPC3 apparent molecular weight was observed in DMDmdx rat muscles. Intracellular localization of both channels was not altered. We thus focused our attention on TRPC3. Application of Pyr10, a specific inhibitor of TRPC3, abolished the differences between SPCa values measured in WT and DMDmdx. Finally, we showed that a rAAV-microdystrophin based treatment induced a high microdystrophin expression but only partial prevention of calcium homeostasis alterations, skeletal muscle force and TRPC3 protein increase. CONCLUSIONS: All together our results show that correcting TRPC3 channel expression and/or activity appear to be a promising approach as a single or as a rAAV-based complementary therapy to treat DMD.

Arrhythmias precede cardiomyopathy and remodeling of Ca2+ handling proteins in a novel model of long QT syndrome.

AIM: Deletion of QKP1507-1509 amino-acids in SCN5A gene product, the voltage-gated Na+ channel Nav1.5, has been associated with a large phenotypic spectrum of type 3 long QT syndrome, conduction disorder, dilated cardiomyopathy and high incidence of sudden death. The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a novel model of type 3 long QT syndrome to study the consequences of the QKP1507-1509 deletion. METHODS AND RESULTS: We generated a knock-in mouse presenting the delQKP1510-1512 mutation (Scn5a+/ΔQKP) equivalent to human deletion. Scn5a+/ΔQKP mice showed prolonged QT interval, conduction defects and ventricular arrhythmias at the age of 2 weeks, and, subsequently, structural defects and premature mortality. The mutation increased Na+ window current and generated a late Na+ current. Ventricular action potentials from Scn5a+/ΔQKP mice were prolonged. At the age of 4 weeks, Scn5a+/ΔQKP mice exhibited a remodeling leading to [Ca2+]i transients with higher amplitude and slower kinetics, combined with enhanced SR Ca2+ load. SERCA2 expression was not altered. However, total phospholamban expression was higher whereas the amount of Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII)-dependent T17-phosphorylated form was lower, in hearts from 4-week-old mice only. This was associated with a lower activity of CaMKII and lower calmodulin expression. In addition, Scn5a+/ΔQKP cardiomyocytes showed larger Ca2+ waves, correlated with the presence of afterdepolarizations during action potential recording. Ranolazine partially prevented action potential and QT interval prolongation in 4-week-old Scn5a+/ΔQKP mice and suppressed arrhythmias. CONCLUSION: The Scn5a+/ΔQKP mouse model recapitulates the clinical phenotype of mutation carriers and provides new and unexpected insights into the pathological development of the disease in patients carrying the QKP1507-1509 deletion.

Evaluation of an AAV9-mini-dystrophin gene therapy candidate in a rat model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked disease caused by loss-of-function mutations in the dystrophin gene and is characterized by muscle wasting and early mortality. Adeno-associated virus-mediated gene therapy is being investigated as a treatment for DMD. In the nonclinical study documented here, we determined the effective dose of fordadistrogene movaparvovec, a clinical candidate adeno-associated virus serotype 9 vector carrying a human mini-dystrophin transgene, after single intravenous injection in a dystrophin-deficient (DMDmdx) rat model of DMD. Overall, we found that transduction efficiency, number of muscle fibers expressing the human mini-dystrophin polypeptide, improvement of the skeletal and cardiac muscle tissue architecture, correction of muscle strength and fatigability, and improvement of diastolic and systolic cardiac function were directly correlated with the amount of vector administered. The effective dose was then tested in older DMDmdx rats with a more dystrophic phenotype similar to the pathology observed in older patients with DMD. Except for a less complete rescue of muscle function in the oldest cohort, fordadistrogene movaparvovec was also found to be therapeutically effective in older DMDmdx rats, suggesting that this product may be appropriate for evaluation in patients with DMD at all stages of disease.

RhoA guanine exchange factor expression profile in arteries: evidence for a Rho kinase-dependent negative feedback in angiotensin II-dependent hypertension.

Sustained overactivation of RhoA is a common component for the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension. Although activity of Rho proteins depends on Rho exchange factors (Rho-GEFs), the identity of Rho-GEFs expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and participating in the control of Rho protein activity and Rho-dependent functions remains unknown. To address this question, we analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR the expression profile of 28 RhoA-GEFs in arteries of normotensive (saline-treated) and hypertensive (ANG II-treated) rats. Sixteen RhoA-GEFs were downregulated in mesenteric arteries of hypertensive rats, among which nine are also downregulated in cultured VSMC stimulated by ANG II (100 nM, 48 h), suggesting a direct effect of ANG II. Inhibition of type 1 ANG II receptors (losartan, 1 µM) or Rho kinase (fasudil, 10 µM) prevented ANG II-induced RhoA-GEF downregulation. Functionally, ANG II-induced downregulation of RhoA-GEFs is associated with decreased Rho kinase activation in response to endothelin-1, norepinephrine, and U-46619. This work thus identifies a group of RhoA-GEFs that controls RhoA and RhoA-dependent functions in VSMC, and a negative feedback of RhoA/Rho kinase activity on the expression of these RhoA-GEFs that may play an adaptative role to limit RhoA/Rho kinase activation.

Human MuStem Cell Grafting into Infarcted Rat Heart Attenuates Adverse Tissue Remodeling and Preserves Cardiac Function.

Myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Whereas transplantation of several cell types into the infarcted heart has produced promising preclinical results, clinical studies using analogous human cells have shown limited structural and functional benefits. In dogs and humans, we have described a type of muscle-derived stem cells termed MuStem cells that efficiently promoted repair of injured skeletal muscle. Enhanced survival rate, long-term engraftment, and participation in muscle fiber formation were reported, leading to persistent tissue remodeling and clinical benefits. With the consideration of these features that are restricted or absent in cells tested so far for myocardial infarction, we wanted to investigate the capacity of human MuStem cells to repair infarcted hearts. Their local administration in immunodeficient rats 1 week after induced infarction resulted in reduced fibrosis and increased angiogenesis 3 weeks post-transplantation. Importantly, foci of human fibers were detected in the infarct site. Treated rats also showed attenuated left-ventricle dilation and preservation of contractile function. Interestingly, no spontaneous arrhythmias were observed. Our findings support the potential of MuStem cells, which have already been proposed as therapeutic candidates for dystrophic patients, to treat myocardial infarction and position them as an attractive tool for muscle-regenerative medicine.

Overexpression of endothelial ß3 -adrenergic receptor induces diastolic dysfunction in rats.

AIMS: Diastolic dysfunction is common in cardiovascular diseases, particularly in the case of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The challenge is to develop adequate animal models to envision human therapies in the future. It has been hypothesized that this diastolic dysfunction is linked to alterations in the nitric oxide (• NO) pathway. To investigate this issue further, we investigated the cardiac functions of a transgenic rat model (Tgß3 ) that overexpresses the human ß3 -adrenoceptor (hß3 -AR) in the endothelium with the underlying rationale that the • NO pathway should be stimulated in the endothelium. METHODS AND RESULTS: Transgenic rats (Tgß3 ) that express hß3 -AR under the control of intercellular adhesion molecule 2 promoter were developed for a specific expression in endothelial cells. Transcriptomic analyses were performed on left ventricular tissue from 45-week-old rats. Among all altered genes, we focus on • NO synthase expression and endothelial function with arterial reactivity and evaluation of • NO and O2 •- production. Cardiac function was characterized by echocardiography, invasive haemodynamic studies, and working heart studies. Transcriptome analyses illustrate that several key genes are regulated by the hß3 -AR overexpression. Overexpression of hß3 -AR leads to a reduction of Nos3 mRNA expression (-72%; P < 0.05) associated with a decrease in protein expression (-19%; P < 0.05). Concentration-dependent vasodilation to isoproterenol was significantly reduced in Tgß3 aorta (-10%; P < 0.05), while • NO and O2 •- production was increased. In the same time, Tgß3 rats display progressively increasing diastolic dysfunction with age, as shown by an increase in the E/A filing ratio [1.15 ± 0.01 (wild type, WT) vs. 1.33 ± 0.04 (Tgß3 ); P < 0.05] and in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure [5.57 ± 1.23 mmHg (WT) vs. 11.68 ± 1.11 mmHg (Tgß3 ); P < 0.05]. In isolated working hearts, diastolic stress using increasing preload levels led to a 20% decrease in aortic flow [55.4 ± 1.9 mL/min (WT) vs. 45.8 ± 2.5 mL/min (Tgß3 ); P < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: The Tgß3 rat model displays the expected increase in • NO production upon ageing and develops diastolic dysfunction. These findings provide a further link between endothelial and cardiac dysfunction. This rat model should be valuable for future preclinical evaluation of candidate drugs aimed at correcting diastolic dysfunction.

Rabbit, a relevant model for the study of cardiac beta 3-adrenoceptors.

The beta(3)-adrenoceptors (beta(3)-ARs) have been identified and characterized in the human heart. Specific beta(3)-AR stimulation, unlike beta(1)-AR or beta(2)-AR stimulation, decreases cardiac contractility, partly via the G(i)-NO pathway. However, the precise role of cardiac beta(3)-ARs is not yet completely understood. Indeed, under normal conditions, the beta(3)-AR response is present only to a very low degree in rats and mice. Therefore, we evaluated whether beta(3)-ARs were present and functional in rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes, and whether the rabbit could serve as a relevant model for the study of cardiac beta(3)-ARs. We used RT-PCR and Western blot to measure the beta(3)-AR transcripts and protein levels in rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes. We also analysed the effect of beta(3)-AR stimulation using isoproterenol in combination with nadolol or SR 58611A on cardiomyocyte shortening, Ca(2+) transient, L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca,L)), delayed rectifier potassium current (I(Ks)) and action potential duration (APD). For the first time, we show that beta(3)-ARs are expressed in rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes. The mRNA and protein sequences present a high homology to those of rat and human beta(3)-ARs. Furthermore, beta(3)-AR stimulation decreases cardiomyocyte shortening, Ca(2+) transient and I(Ca,L) amplitudes, via a G(i)-NO pathway. Importantly, beta(3)-AR stimulation enhances I(Ks) amplitude and shortens the APD. Taken together, our results indicate that the rabbit provides a relevant model, easily used in laboratories, to study the roles of cardiac beta(3)-ARs in physiological conditions.

Transforming growth factor ß receptor inhibition prevents ventricular fibrosis in a mouse model of progressive cardiac conduction disease.

AIMS: Loss-of-function mutations in SCN5A, the gene encoding NaV1.5 channel, have been associated with inherited progressive cardiac conduction disease (PCCD). We have proposed that Scn5a heterozygous knock-out (Scn5a+/-) mice, which are characterized by ventricular fibrotic remodelling with ageing, represent a model for PCCD. Our objectives were to identify the molecular pathway involved in fibrosis development and prevent its activation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our study shows that myocardial interstitial fibrosis occurred in Scn5a+/- mice only after 45 weeks of age. Fibrosis was triggered by transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß) pathway activation. Younger Scn5a+/- mice were characterized by a higher connexin 43 expression than wild-type (WT) mice. After the age of 45 weeks, connexin 43 expression decreased in both WT and Scn5a+/- mice, although the decrease was larger in Scn5a+/- mice. Chronic inhibition of cardiac sodium current with flecainide (50 mg/kg/day p.o) in WT mice from the age of 6 weeks to the age of 60 weeks did not lead to TGF-ß pathway activation and fibrosis. Chronic inhibition of TGF-ß receptors with GW788388 (5 mg/kg/day p.o.) in Scn5a+/- mice from the age of 45 weeks to the age of 60 weeks prevented the occurrence of fibrosis. However, current data could not detect reduction in QRS duration with GW788388. CONCLUSION: Myocardial fibrosis secondary to a loss of NaV1.5 is triggered by TGF-ß signalling pathway. Those events are more likely secondary to the decreased NaV1.5 sarcolemmal expression rather than the decreased Na+ current per se. TGF-ß receptor inhibition prevents age-dependent development of ventricular fibrosis in Scn5a+/- mouse.

The Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Dapagliflozin Prevents Cardiomyopathy in a Diabetic Lipodystrophic Mouse Model.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a well-recognized independent risk factor for heart failure. T2DM is associated with altered cardiac energy metabolism, leading to ectopic lipid accumulation and glucose overload, the exact contribution of these two parameters remaining unclear. To provide new insight into the mechanism driving the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy, we studied a unique model of T2DM: lipodystrophic Bscl2-/- (seipin knockout [SKO]) mice. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging revealed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with left ventricular dysfunction in SKO mice, and these two abnormalities were strongly correlated with hyperglycemia. Surprisingly, neither intramyocardial lipid accumulation nor lipotoxic hallmarks were detected in SKO mice. [18F]Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed increased myocardial glucose uptake. Consistently, the O-GlcNAcylated protein levels were markedly increased in an SKO heart, suggesting a glucose overload. To test this hypothesis, we treated SKO mice with the hypoglycemic sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin and the insulin sensitizer pioglitazone. Both treatments reduced the O-GlcNAcylated protein levels in SKO mice, and dapagliflozin successfully prevented the development of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Our data demonstrate that glucotoxicity by itself can trigger cardiac dysfunction and that a glucose-lowering agent can correct it. This result will contribute to better understanding of the potential cardiovascular benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors.

Characterization of beta3-adrenoceptors in human internal mammary artery and putative involvement in coronary artery bypass management.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to analyze whether beta3-adrenoceptors (beta3-ARs) were effectively present and functional in the human internal mammary artery (IMA). BACKGROUND: The beta1- and beta2-adrenoceptors classically mediate the relaxant effects of catecholamines in the vessels. In vitro and in vivo studies performed in various animal species described vasodilating effects due to activation of a third beta-ARs subtype (beta3). METHODS: Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, Western blot experiments, and pharmacological studies were carried out in human IMA samples harvested from 27 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery. RESULTS: The beta3-ARs messenger ribonucleic acid and protein were detected in intact IMA, but were absent in endothelium-free samples. This finding was confirmed by immunohistochemical experiments. In organ baths, a beta3-AR agonist, SR 58611A, induced an endothelium-dependent relaxation of phenylephrine-precontracted IMA rings. This vasodilation was not modified by beta1/beta2-AR antagonists, but was greatly altered in the presence of L-748,337, a selective human beta3-AR antagonist. Moreover, the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthases abolished the beta3-adrenergic vasodilation, suggesting the involvement of a NO-signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Those results demonstrated the presence of beta3-ARs in the endothelial layer of human IMA. The present work highlights the role of beta3-ARs in vasomotor control of IMA and opens new fields of investigation in coronary bypass graft management, heart failure, and hypertension.

Microarray analysis reveals complex remodeling of cardiac ion channel expression with altered thyroid status: relation to cellular and integrated electrophysiology.

Although electrophysiological remodeling occurs in various myocardial diseases, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. cDNA microarrays containing probes for a large population of mouse genes encoding ion channel subunits ("IonChips") were developed and exploited to investigate remodeling of ion channel transcripts associated with altered thyroid status in adult mouse ventricle. Functional consequences of hypo- and hyperthyroidism were evaluated with patch-clamp and ECG recordings. Hypothyroidism decreased heart rate and prolonged QTc duration. Opposite changes were observed in hyperthyroidism. Microarray analysis revealed that hypothyroidism induces significant reductions in KCNA5, KCNB1, KCND2, and KCNK2 transcripts, whereas KCNQ1 and KCNE1 expression is increased. In hyperthyroidism, in contrast, KCNA5 and KCNB1 expression is increased and KCNQ1 and KCNE1 expression is decreased. Real-time RT-PCR validated these results. Consistent with microarray analysis, Western blot experiments confirmed those modifications at the protein level. Patch-clamp recordings revealed significant reductions in I(to,f) and I(K,slow) densities, and increased I(Ks) density in hypothyroid myocytes. In addition to effects on K+ channel transcripts, transcripts for the pacemaker channel HCN2 were decreased and those encoding the alpha1C Ca2+ channel (CaCNA1C) were increased in hypothyroid animals. The expression of Na+, Cl-, and inwardly rectifying K+ channel subunits, in contrast, were unaffected by thyroid hormone status. Taken together, these data demonstrate that thyroid hormone levels selectively and differentially regulate transcript expression for at least nine ion channel alpha- and beta-subunits. Our results also document the potential of cDNA microarray analysis for the simultaneous examination of ion channel transcript expression levels in the diseased/remodeled myocardium.

Expression of human ERG K+ channels in the mouse heart exerts anti-arrhythmic activity.

OBJECTIVE: The K(+) channel encoded by the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) is crucial for repolarization in the human heart. In order to investigate the impact of HERG current (I(Kr)) on the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, we generated a transgenic mouse expressing HERG specifically in the heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: ECG recordings at baseline showed no obvious difference between transgenic and wild-type (WT) mice with the exception of the T wave, which was more negative in transgenic mice than in WT mice. E4031 (20 mg/kg) prolonged the QTc interval and flattened the T wave in transgenic mice, but not in WT mice. Injection of BaCl(2) (25 mg/kg) induced short runs of ventricular tachycardia in 9/10 WT mice, but not in transgenic animals. Atrial pacing reproducibly induced atrial tachyarrhythmias in 11/15 WT mice. In contrast, atrial arrhythmia was inducible in only 2/11 transgenic mice. When pretreated with dofetilide (10 mg/kg), transgenic mice were as sensitive to experimental arrhythmias as WT mice. Microelectrode studies showed that atrial action potentials have a steeper slope of duration-rate adaptation in WT than in transgenic mice. Transgenic mice were also characterized by a post-repolarization refractoriness, which could result from the substantial amount of I(Kr) subsisting after repolarization as assessed with action potential-clamp experiments and simulations with a model of the transgenic mouse action potential. CONCLUSION: HERG expression in the mouse heart can protect against experimental induction of arrhythmias. This is the first report of such a protective effect of HERG in vivo.

beta3-Adrenergic stimulation produces a decrease of cardiac contractility ex vivo in mice overexpressing the human beta3-adrenergic receptor.

OBJECTIVES: The regulation of cardiac function by catecholamines involves three populations of beta-adrenoceptor (beta-AR). beta(1)- and beta(2)-AR stimulations produce an increase in contractility and beta(3)-AR stimulation mediates a negative inotropic effect in human ventricular muscle. Because of the lack of suitable animal models, we have generated transgenic mice with cardiac-specific expression of the human beta(3)-AR (TG beta(3) mice). METHODS: TG beta(3) mice were produced by microinjection of the human beta(3)-AR under the control of the alpha myosin heavy chain promoter. Phenotypic analyses comprised beta(3)-AR mRNA and protein determinations, histological studies, electrocardiogram, contractility and cyclic nucleotide measurements. RESULTS: TG beta(3) mice presented no histological evidence of myocyte hypertrophy or fibrogenesis. In basal conditions, TG beta(3) mice were characterized by an increase in heart rate and an acceleration of twitch parameters without modification of its amplitude. beta(3)-AR agonists (CL 316243, SR 58611A) decreased contractility at low concentrations (1-100 nM). At high concentrations, the negative inotropic effect was abolished. Pretreatment with nadolol, a beta(1)/beta(2)-AR blocker, blunted the rebound in peak tension elicited by beta(3)-AR agonists suggesting a non-specific action of these compounds on beta(1)- and beta(2)-AR. The involvement of beta(3)-AR in the negative inotropic effect was confirmed by the pretreatment with bupranolol, a non-selective beta-AR antagonist, which fully abolished the effects of SR 58611A. The negative inotropic effect was associated with an increase in intracellular cGMP level. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that cardiac overexpression of beta(3)-AR in mice reproduces ex vivo the negative inotropic effects obtained with beta(3)-AR stimulation in human ventricular tissues.

Physiological and Pathophysiological Insights of Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 Comparison.

Mutations in Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 α-subunits have been associated with muscular and cardiac channelopathies, respectively. Despite intense research on the structure and function of these channels, a lot of information is still missing to delineate the various physiological and pathophysiological processes underlying their activity at the molecular level. Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 sequences are similar, suggesting structural and functional homologies between the two orthologous channels. This also suggests that any characteristics described for one channel subunit may shed light on the properties of the counterpart channel subunit. In this review article, after a brief clinical description of the muscular and cardiac channelopathies related to Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 mutations, respectively, we compare the knowledge accumulated in different aspects of the expression and function of Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 α-subunits: the regulation of the two encoding genes (SCN4A and SCN5A), the associated/regulatory proteins and at last, the functional effect of the same missense mutations detected in Nav1.4 and Nav1.5. First, it appears that more is known on Nav1.5 expression and accessory proteins. Because of the high homologies of Nav1.5 binding sites and equivalent Nav1.4 sites, Nav1.5-related results may guide future investigations on Nav1.4. Second, the analysis of the same missense mutations in Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 revealed intriguing similarities regarding their effects on membrane excitability and alteration in channel biophysics. We believe that such comparison may bring new cues to the physiopathology of cardiac and muscular diseases.

Impairment of the low-affinity state beta1-adrenoceptor-induced relaxation in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

1 In hypertension, a decrease of the vascular beta-adrenergic relaxation has been described. However, the specific involvement of each beta-adrenoceptor (beta-AR) subtype, in particular the low-affinity state of beta1-AR, has not yet been evaluated. We investigated whether the low-affinity state of beta1-AR-induced relaxation was impaired in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR). 2 The relaxant responses to CGP 12177 and cyanopindolol, low-affinity state beta1-AR agonists (with beta1-/beta2-AR antagonistic and partial beta3-AR agonistic properties) were evaluated on thoracic aortic rings isolated from 12-weeks-old Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and SHR. 3 In WKY, CGP 12177 and cyanopindolol produced an endothelium and nitric oxide (NO)-independent relaxation. CGP 12177-induced endothelium-independent relaxation was not modified either by beta1-, beta2-AR (nadolol) or beta3-AR (L-748337 or SR 59230A) antagonists but was significantly reduced by high concentrations of CGP 20712A (P<0.05). This relaxation was also reduced by adenylyl cyclase inhibitors, SQ 22536 or MDL 12330A. 4 In SHR, CGP 12177 produced mainly an endothelium and NO-dependent relaxation. This effect was not modified by nadolol, but was strongly reduced by beta3-AR blockade. Endothelium-independent relaxation to CGP 12177 was not altered by adenylyl cyclase inhibition, but was amplified in preparations from pertussis toxin-pretreated SHR. 5 The immunohistochemical analysis revealed an upregulation of beta3-AR in the endothelial layer of SHR aorta, whereas the beta3-AR-induced relaxation was not modified. 6 In conclusion, we demonstrated an impaired low-affinity state of the beta1-AR-induced relaxation and an upregulation of the beta3-AR in hypertension. Some clinical implications of those findings are discussed.

Beta 3-adrenoceptor in rat aorta: molecular and biochemical characterization and signalling pathway.

1. We have previously demonstrated that beta(3)-adrenoceptor (beta(3)-AR) stimulation induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in rat aorta through the activation of an endothelial NO synthase associated with an increase in intracellular cGMP. The aim of the present study was to localise beta(3)-AR to confirm our functional study and to complete the signalling pathway of beta(3)-AR in rat aorta. 2. By RT-PCR, we have detected beta(3)-AR transcripts both in aorta and in freshly isolated endothelial cells. The absence of markers for adipsin or hormone-sensitive lipase in endothelial cells excluded the presence of beta(3)-AR from adipocytes. The localization of beta(3)-AR in aortic endothelial cells was confirmed by immunohistochemistry using a rat beta(3)-AR antibody. 3. To identify the G protein linked to beta(3)-AR, experiments were performed in rat pre-treated with PTX (10 microg kg(-1)), a G(i/0) protein inhibitor. The blockage of G(i/0) protein by PTX was confirmed by the reduction of vasorelaxation induced by UK 14304, a selective alpha(2)-AR agonist. The cumulative concentration-response curve for SR 58611A, a beta(3)-AR agonist, was not significantly modified on aorta rings from PTX pre-treated rats. 4. At the same level of contraction, the relaxations induced by 10 microM SR 58611A were significantly reduced in 30 mM-KCl pre-constricted rings (E(max)=16.7+/-8.4%, n=5), in comparison to phenylephrine (0.3 microM) pre-constricted rings (E(max)=49.11+/-11.0%, n=5, P<0.05). In addition, iberotoxin (0.1 microM), glibenclamide (1 microM) and 4-aminopyridine (1 mM), selective potassium channels blockers of K(Ca), K(ATP), and K(v) respectively, decreased the SR 58611A-mediated relaxation. 5. We conclude that beta(3)-AR is preferentially expressed in rat aortic endothelial cells. Beta(3)-AR-mediated aortic relaxation is independent of G(i/0) proteins stimulation, but results from the activation of several potassium channels, K(Ca), K(ATP), and K(v).

Smooth muscle specific Rac1 deficiency induces hypertension by preventing p116RIP3-dependent RhoA inhibition.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence implicates overactivation of RhoA as a critical component of the pathogenesis of hypertension. Although a substantial body of work has established that Rac1 functions antagonize RhoA in a broad range of physiological processes, the role of Rac1 in the regulation of vascular tone and blood pressure is not fully elucidated. METHODS AND RESULTS: To define the role of Rac1 in vivo in vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC), we generated smooth muscle (SM)-specific Rac1 knockout mice (SM-Rac1-KO) and performed radiotelemetric blood pressure recordings, contraction measurements in arterial rings, vSMC cultures and biochemical analyses. SM-Rac1-KO mice develop high systolic blood pressure sensitive to Rho kinase inhibition by fasudil. Arteries from SM-Rac1-KO mice are characterized by a defective NO-dependent vasodilation and an overactivation of RhoA/Rho kinase signaling. We provide evidence that Rac1 deletion-induced hypertension is due to an alteration of cGMP signaling resulting from the loss of Rac1-mediated control of type 5 PDE activity. Consequently, cGMP-dependent phosphorylation and binding of RhoA with its inhibitory partner, the phosphatase-RhoA interacting protein (p116(RIP3)), are decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Our data reveal that the depletion of Rac1 in SMC decreases cGMP-dependent p116(RIP3)/RhoA interaction and the subsequent inhibition of RhoA signaling. Thus, we unveil an in vivo role of Rac1 in arterial blood pressure regulation and a new pathway involving p116(RIP3) that contributes to the antagonistic relationship between Rac1 and RhoA in vascular smooth muscle cells and their opposite roles in arterial tone and blood pressure.

Characterization of dystrophin deficient rats: a new model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

A few animal models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) are available, large ones such as pigs or dogs being expensive and difficult to handle. Mdx (X-linked muscular dystrophy) mice only partially mimic the human disease, with limited chronic muscular lesions and muscle weakness. Their small size also imposes limitations on analyses. A rat model could represent a useful alternative since rats are small animals but 10 times bigger than mice and could better reflect the lesions and functional abnormalities observed in DMD patients. Two lines of Dmd mutated-rats (Dmdmdx) were generated using TALENs targeting exon 23. Muscles of animals of both lines showed undetectable levels of dystrophin by western blot and less than 5% of dystrophin positive fibers by immunohistochemistry. At 3 months, limb and diaphragm muscles from Dmdmdx rats displayed severe necrosis and regeneration. At 7 months, these muscles also showed severe fibrosis and some adipose tissue infiltration. Dmdmdx rats showed significant reduction in muscle strength and a decrease in spontaneous motor activity. Furthermore, heart morphology was indicative of dilated cardiomyopathy associated histologically with necrotic and fibrotic changes. Echocardiography showed significant concentric remodeling and alteration of diastolic function. In conclusion, Dmdmdx rats represent a new faithful small animal model of DMD.

Identifying potential functional impact of mutations and polymorphisms: linking heart failure, increased risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.

Researchers and clinicians have discovered several important concepts regarding the mechanisms responsible for increased risk of arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death. One major step in defining the molecular basis of normal and abnormal cardiac electrical behavior has been the identification of single mutations that greatly increase the risk for arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death by changing channel-gating characteristics. Indeed, mutations in several genes encoding ion channels, such as SCN5A, which encodes the major cardiac Na(+) channel, have emerged as the basis for a variety of inherited cardiac arrhythmias such as long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, progressive cardiac conduction disorder, sinus node dysfunction, or sudden infant death syndrome. In addition, genes encoding ion channel accessory proteins, like anchoring or chaperone proteins, which modify the expression, the regulation of endocytosis, and the degradation of ion channel a-subunits have also been reported as susceptibility genes for arrhythmic syndromes. The regulation of ion channel protein expression also depends on a fine-tuned balance among different other mechanisms, such as gene transcription, RNA processing, post-transcriptional control of gene expression by miRNA, protein synthesis, assembly and post-translational modification and trafficking. The aim of this review is to inventory, through the description of few representative examples, the role of these different biogenic mechanisms in arrhythmogenesis, HF and SCD in order to help the researcher to identify all the processes that could lead to arrhythmias. Identification of novel targets for drug intervention should result from further understanding of these fundamental mechanisms.