Abstract 204: HAX-1: A Novel Regulator of Energetics and Oxidative Stress in the Heart

Abstract

Sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium handling is central not only in the control of heart function during excitation-contraction coupling but also in mitochondrial energetics and apoptosis. Recent studies have identified the anti-apoptotic protein, HS-1 associated protein X-1 (HAX-1) as a novel regulator of SR calcium cycling. Although HAX-1 has been shown to localize to mitochondria in various tissues, we found out that it also localizes to SR through its interaction with phospholamban (PLN) in cardiac muscle. Acute or chronic overexpression of HAX-1 in cardiomyocytes promoted PLN inhibition on the calcium ATPase (SERCA) and decreased cardiomyocyte calcium kinetics and contractile parameters. Accordingly, ablation of HAX-1 significantly enhanced SERCA activity and calcium kinetics. Furthermore, the HAX-1/PLN interaction appeared to also regulate cardiomyocyte survival. Indeed, overexpression of HAX-1 and the associated depressed SR Ca-load attenuated endoplasmic reticulum stress induced apoptosis, as evidenced by reduction of both caspase-12 activation and pro-apoptotic transcription factor C/EBP homologous protein induction during ischemia/reperfusion injury. In addition, the depressed SR Ca-cycling by HAX-1 overexpression was associated with reduced mitochondrial Ca-load as reflected by: a) hyper-phosphorylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and decreases in its activity, to diminish ATP production consistent with the attenuated energetic demand in these hearts; and b) reduced levels of reactive oxygen species, indicating protection from oxidative damage and preserved mitochondrial integrity. These findings suggest that HAX-1 is a key regulator of Ca-cycling, apoptosis and energetics in the heart. Thus, decreases in HAX-1 levels, observed during ischemia/reperfusion injury, may contribute to the deteriorated function and progression to heart failure development.