Abstract 70: Protein Phosphatase 1 Contributes to Atrial Stunning in Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and increases a patient’s stroke risk five-fold. Reduced atrial contractility (stunning) is observed in AF and contributes to stroke risk; however, the mechanisms responsible for atrial stunning in AF are unknown. Recent data from our laboratory indicate that protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) dephosphorylation of myosin light chain 2a (MLC2a) may contribute to atrial stunning in AF. Objective: To determine how the PP1 regulatory subunit 12C (PPP1R12C) and catalytic (PPP1c) subunits modify atrial sarcomere phosphorylation in AF. Methods: We evaluated the protein expression, binding and phosphorylation among PPP1R12C, PPP1c, and MLC2a in transfected HL-1 cells, murine atrial tissue (Pitx2null +/– mice, with a genetic predisposition AF), and in HEK cells. An inhibitor of PPP1R12C phosphorylation, BDP5290, was used to enhance the PPP1R12C-PPP1C interaction. Results: In Pitx2 null +/– mice, PPP1R12C was increased by 2-fold ( P <0.01) and associated with a 40% reduction in S-19-MLC2a phosphorylation versus WT mice ( P <0.058). BDP5290 increased PPP1R12C-PPP1C binding by >3-fold in HL-1 cells ( P <0.01). BDP5290 reduced MLC2a phosphorylation by 40% through an enhanced interaction with PPP1R12C by >3-fold in HEK cells ( P <0.01). Conclusion: In Pitx2 null+/- mice, increased expression of PPP1R12C is associated with PP1 holoenzyme targeting to sarcomeric MLC2a, and is associated with reduced S19-MLC2a phosphorylation. Additionally, BDP5290 enhances the PPP1R12C-PPP1C interaction and models PP1 activity in AF. Future studies will examine the effects of both AF and BDP5290 upon atrial contractility in vitro.