BK channels regulate calcium oscillations in ventricular myocytes on different substrate stiffness

Abstract

Substrate stiffness is essential for cell functions, but the mechanisms by which cell sense mechanical cues are still unclear. Here we show that the frequency and the amplitude of spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations were greater in chick cardiomyocytes cultured on the stiff substrates than that on the soft substrates. The spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations were increased on stiff substrates. However, an eliminated dependence of the Ca2+ oscillations on substrate stiffness was observed after applying blocker of the large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels. In addition, the activity of BK channels in cardiomyocytes cultured on the stiff substrates was decreased. These results provide compelling evidences to show that BK channels are crucial in substrate stiffness-dependent regulation of the Ca2+ oscillation in cardiomyocytes.