Abstract P3041: DWORF Overexpression In The Heart Results In Enhanced Mitochondrial Function

Abstract

Background: Calcium (Ca 2+ ) plays a pivotal role in regulating physiological processes in the heart including excitation-contraction coupling, Ca 2+ signaling, and mitochondrial function. It is well established that both Ca 2+ dysregulation and altered cardiac energy metabolism are universal features of heart failure (HF). Dwarf open reading frame (DWORF), a newly discovered microprotein, increases SERCA2a activity in part by relieving SERCA2a inhibition by phospholamban (PLN). DWORF overexpression via cardiac specific transgene or gene therapy is cardioprotective in genetic and experimental HF mouse models. In addition to activation of SERCA2a by PLN displacement, preliminary data indicates that enhanced mitochondrial function contributes to the cardioprotective effects of DWORF. Here we tested the effects of DWORF overexpression on cardiac mitochondrial function and Ca 2+ dynamics. Methods and Results: We isolated mitochondria from wildtype (WT) and DWORF transgenic (Tg) mouse hearts and measured O 2 consumption rates using a Seahorse mito stress test. We found that DWORF Tg mice have increased respiratory capacity compared to WT (DWORF Tg 1150.0 pmol/min, WT 799.4 pmol/min +/-146.2) and enhanced spare respiratory capacity (DWORF Tg 489.1 pmol/min, WT 229.4 pmol/min +/- 102.1). To measure mitochondrial Ca 2+ dynamics, we performed Ca 2+ retention capacity assays and found that DWORF Tg mice have increased Ca 2+ uptake rates compared to WT (DWORF Tg 32.32 s, WT 46.46 s +/- 4.39). Western blot analysis of the mitochondrial Ca 2+ uniporter (MCU) in mito extracts from WT and DWORF Tg hearts indicated elevated levels of MCU. However, electron transport chain (ETC) protein expression indicated no significant differences, indicating the enhanced mitochondrial activity observed in DWORF Tg mice was not due to increased ETC levels. Conclusions: DWORF Tg mouse heart mitochondria exhibit increased maximal respiration rates and enhanced spare respiratory capacity. However, ETC protein levels are unchanged, indicating altered enzyme activity rather than expression. Additionally, mitochondria from DWORF Tg hearts uptake Ca 2+ faster into the mitochondria through the increased levels of MCU, suggesting enhanced mitochondrial Ca 2+ dynamics.