Slow Delayed Rectifier Potassium Current Research Articles

Divergent regulation of KCNQ1/E1 by targeted recruitment of protein kinase A to distinct sites on the channel complex.

The slow delayed rectifier potassium current, IKs, conducted through pore-forming Q1 and auxiliary E1 ion channel complexes is important for human cardiac action potential repolarization. During exercise or fright, IKs is up-regulated by protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated Q1 phosphorylation to maintain heart rhythm and optimum cardiac performance. Sympathetic up-regulation of IKs requires recruitment of PKA holoenzyme (two regulatory - RI or RII - and two catalytic Cα subunits) to Q1 C-terminus by an A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP9). Mutations in Q1 or AKAP9 that abolish their functional interaction result in long QT syndrome type 1 and 11, respectively, which increases the risk of sudden cardiac death during exercise. Here, we investigated the utility of a targeted protein phosphorylation (TPP) approach to reconstitute PKA regulation of IKs in the absence of AKAP9. Targeted recruitment of endogenous Cα to E1-YFP using a GFP/YFP nanobody (nano) fused to RIIα enabled acute cAMP-mediated enhancement of IKs, reconstituting physiological regulation of the channel complex. By contrast, nano-mediated tethering of RIIα or Cα to Q1-YFP constitutively inhibited IKs by retaining the channel intracellularly in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi. Proteomic analysis revealed that distinct phosphorylation sites are modified by Cα targeted to Q1-YFP compared to free Cα. Thus, functional outcomes of synthetically recruited PKA on IKs regulation is critically dependent on the site of recruitment within the channel complex. The results reveal insights into divergent regulation of IKs by phosphorylation across different spatial and time scales, and suggest a TPP approach to develop new drugs to prevent exercise-induced sudden cardiac death.

Long QT syndrome-associated calmodulin variants disrupt the activity of the slowly activating delayed rectifier potassium channel.

Calmodulin (CaM) is a highly conserved mediator of calcium (Ca2+ )-dependent signalling and modulates various cardiac ion channels. Genotyping has revealed several CaM mutations associated with long QT syndrome (LQTS). LQTS patients display prolonged ventricular recovery times (QT interval), increasing their risk of incurring life-threatening arrhythmic events. Loss-of-function mutations to Kv7.1 (which drives the slow delayed rectifier potassium current, IKs, a key ventricular repolarising current) are the largest contributor to congenital LQTS (>50% of cases). CaM modulates Kv7.1 to produce a Ca2+ -sensitive IKs, but little is known about the consequences of LQTS-associated CaM mutations on Kv7.1 function. Here, we present novel data characterising the biophysical and modulatory properties of three LQTS-associated CaM variants (D95V, N97I and D131H). We showed that mutations induced structural alterations in CaM and reduced affinity for Kv7.1, when compared with wild-type (WT). Using HEK293T cells expressing Kv7.1 channel subunits (KCNQ1/KCNE1) and patch-clamp electrophysiology, we demonstrated that LQTS-associated CaM variants reduced current density at systolic Ca2+ concentrations (1μm), revealing a direct QT-prolonging modulatory effect. Our data highlight for the first time that LQTS-associated perturbations to CaM's structure impede complex formation with Kv7.1 and subsequently result in reduced IKs. This provides a novel mechanistic insight into how the perturbed structure-function relationship of CaM variants contributes to the LQTS phenotype. KEY POINTS: Calmodulin (CaM) is a ubiquitous, highly conserved calcium (Ca2+ ) sensor playing a key role in cardiac muscle contraction. Genotyping has revealed several CaM mutations associated with long QT syndrome (LQTS), a life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia syndrome. LQTS-associated CaM variants (D95V, N97I and D131H) induced structural alterations, altered binding to Kv7.1 and reduced IKs. Our data provide a novel mechanistic insight into how the perturbed structure-function relationship of CaM variants contributes to the LQTS phenotype.

Ionic current changes underlying action potential repolarization responses to physiological pacing and adrenergic stimulation in adult rat ventricular myocytes.

This study aimed to simulate ventricular responses to elevations in myocyte pacing and adrenergic stimulation using a novel electrophysiological rat model and investigate ion channel responses underlying action potential (AP) modulations. Peak ion currents and AP repolarization to 50% and 90% of full repolarization (APD50-90 ) were recorded during simulations at 1-10 Hz pacing under control and adrenergic stimulation conditions. Further simulations were performed with incremental ion current block (L-type calcium current, ICa ; transient outward current, Ito ; slow delayed rectifier potassium current, IKs ; rapid delayed rectifier potassium current, IKr ; inward rectifier potassium current, IK1 ) to identify current influence on AP response to exercise. Simulated APD50-90 closely resembled experimental findings. Rate-dependent increases in IKs (6%-101%), IKr (141%-1339%), and ICa (0%-15%) and reductions in Ito (11%-57%) and IK1 (1%-9%) were observed. Meanwhile, adrenergic stimulation triggered moderate increases in all currents (23%-67%) except IK1 . Further analyses suggest AP plateau is most sensitive to modulations in Ito and ICa while late repolarization is most sensitive to IK1 , ICa , and IKs , with alterations in IKs predominantly stimulating the greatest magnitude of influence on late repolarization (35%-846% APD90 prolongation). The modified Leeds rat model (mLR) is capable of accurately modeling APs during physiological stress. This study highlights the importance of ICa , Ito , IK1, and IKs in controlling electrophysiological responses to exercise. This work will benefit the study of cardiac dysfunction, arrythmia, and disease, though future physiologically relevant experimental studies and model development are required.

Abstract 10026: Augmentation of Slow Repolarizing Potassium Channel (I Ks ) Links Truncated Titin Mutations to Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Rare titin-truncating variants ( TTN tv) are associated with early-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) but the pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic implications remain unclear. To determine the function of a highly conserved immunoglobulin-like domain of the A-band of TTN , a region enriched in AF-associated variants, we employed CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of 9 amino acids (Δ9) in human induced pluripotent stem cells and then derived atrial cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-aCMs) for electrophysiological (EP) analysis. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that the TTN -Δ9 mutation results in augmentation of the slow delayed rectifier potassium current (I Ks ) resulting in shortened action potential duration (APD). Methods: TTN -WT hiPSC-aCMs (healthy control) and TTN -Δ9 hiPSC-aCMs (isogenic mutant) were matured with metabolic conditioning, electrical stimulation, co-culture with atrial fibroblasts, and micropatterning. We used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to assess sarcomeric defects, RNA-sequencing and RT-qPCR to assess molecular ion channel remodeling, and high throughput automated patch clamp and optical voltage mapping to assess the EP properties of TTN -Δ9 hiPSC-aCMs. We also performed targeted pharmacological inhibition of I Ks . Results: We showed that TTN -Δ9 hiPSC-aCMs displayed disrupted organization and myofibril assembly ( Fig. 1A-B ), upregulated voltage-gated potassium channel complexes and increased KCNQ1 expression ( Fig 1C-D ), and shortened APD ( Fig. 1E-F ). I Ks was significantly augmented in TTN -Δ9 hiPSC-aCMs ( Fig. 1G-H ). Infusion of the I Ks -specific blocker HMR-1556, and not I Kr blocker dofetilide, fully restored the shortened APD 90 and partially recovered defects in contractility in TTN -Δ9 hiPSC-aCMs compared to TTN -WT hiPSC-aCMs ( Fig. 1I-J ). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that augmentation of I Ks contributes to the pathogenic mechanism of TTN -mediated AF, pointing to I Ks as a potential therapeutic target.

Purification and membrane interactions of human KCNQ1100–370 potassium ion channel

KCNQ1 (Kv7.1 or KvLQT1) is a voltage-gated potassium ion channel that is involved in the ventricular repolarization following an action potential in the heart. It forms a complex with KCNE1 in the heart and is the pore forming subunit of slow delayed rectifier potassium current (Iks). Mutations in KCNQ1, leading to a dysfunctional channel or loss of activity have been implicated in a cardiac disorder, long QT syndrome. In this study, we report the overexpression, purification, biochemical characterization of human KCNQ1100–370, and lipid bilayer dynamics upon interaction with KCNQ1100–370. The recombinant human KCNQ1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified into n-dodecylphosphocholine (DPC) micelles. The purified KCNQ1100–370 was biochemically characterized by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, western blot and nano-LC-MS/MS to confirm the identity of the protein. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy was utilized to confirm the secondary structure of purified protein in vesicles. Furthermore, 31P and 2H solid-state NMR spectroscopy in DPPC/POPC/POPG vesicles (MLVs) indicated a direct interaction between KCNQ100–370 and the phospholipid head groups. Finally, a visual inspection of KCNQ1100–370 incorporated into MLVs was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The findings of this study provide avenues for future structural studies of the human KCNQ1 ion channel to have an in depth understanding of its structure-function relationship.

Novel CALM3 Variant Causing Calmodulinopathy With Variable Expressivity in a 4-Generation Family.

CaM (calmodulin), encoded by 3 separate genes (CALM1, CALM2, and CALM3), is a multifunctional Ca2+-binding protein involved in many signal transduction events including ion channel regulation. CaM variants may present with early-onset long QT syndrome (LQTS), catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, or sudden cardiac death. Most reported variants occurred de novo. We identified a novel CALM3 variant, p.Asn138Lys (N138K), in a 4-generation family segregating with LQTS. The aim of this study was to elucidate its pathogenicity and to compare it with that of p.D130G-CaM-a variant associated with a severe LQTS phenotype. We performed whole exome sequencing for a large, 4-generation family affected by LQTS. To assess the effect of the detected CALM3 variant, the intrinsic Ca2+-binding affinity was measured by stoichiometric Ca2+ titrations and equilibrium titrations. L-type Ca2+ and slow delayed rectifier potassium currents (ICaL and IKs) were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp. Cav1.2 and Kv7.1 membrane expression were determined by optical fluorescence assays. We identified 14 p.N138K-CaM carriers in a family where 2 sudden deaths occurred in children. Several members were only mildly affected compared with CaM-LQTS patients to date described in literature. The intrinsic Ca2+-binding affinity of the CaM C-terminal domain was 10-fold lower for p.N138K-CaM compared with wild-type-CaM. ICaL inactivation was slowed in cells expressing p.N138K-CaM but less than in p.D130G-CaM cells. Unexpectedly, a larger IKs current density was observed in cells expressing p.N138K-CaM, but not for p.D130G-CaM, compared with wild-type-CaM. The p.N138K CALM3 variant impairs Ca2+-binding affinity of CaM and ICaL inactivation but potentiates IKs. The variably expressed phenotype of this variant compared with previously published de novo LQTS-CaM variants is likely explained by a milder impairment of ICaL inactivation combined with IKs augmentation.

Heterogeneous repolarization creates ventricular tachycardia circuits in healed myocardial infarction scar

Arrhythmias originating in scarred ventricular myocardium are a major cause of death, but the underlying mechanism allowing these rhythms to exist remains unknown. This gap in knowledge critically limits identification of at-risk patients and treatment once arrhythmias become manifest. Here we show that potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily E regulatory subunits 3 and 4 (KCNE3, KCNE4) are uniquely upregulated at arrhythmia sites within scarred myocardium. Ventricular arrhythmias occur in areas with a distinctive cardiomyocyte repolarization pattern, where myocyte tracts with short repolarization times connect to myocytes tracts with long repolarization times. We found this unique pattern of repolarization heterogeneity only in ventricular arrhythmia circuits. In contrast, conduction abnormalities were ubiquitous within scar. These repolarization heterogeneities are consistent with known functional effects of KCNE3 and KCNE4 on the slow delayed-rectifier potassium current. We observed repolarization heterogeneity using conventional cardiac electrophysiologic techniques that could potentially translate to identification of at-risk patients. The neutralization of the repolarization heterogeneities could represent a potential strategy for the elimination of ventricular arrhythmia circuits.

Differential regulation of IKs by targeted recruitment of protein kinase A to distinct sites on the KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel complex

Slow delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs) conducted by KCNQ1 (pore-forming) and KCNE1 (auxiliary) ion channel complex is necessary to reset and recharge ventricular action potential. During exercise and flight-or-fight, IKs is upregulated via phosphorylation of KCNQ1 by Protein Kinase A (PKA) to maintain heart rhythm. The PKA holoenzyme (comprised of two regulatory RII and two catalytic Cα subunits) is recruited to the channel complex by A Kinase Anchoring protein (AKAP9), which binds to KCNQ1 C-terminus.

Inhibitory G-protein-mediated modulation of slow delayed rectifier potassium channels contributes to increased susceptibility to arrhythmogenesis in aging heart.

Slow delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs) is an important component of repolarization reserve during sympathetic nerve excitement. However, little is known about age-related functional changes of IKs and its involvement in age-dependent arrhythmogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate age-related alteration of the IKs response to β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) activation. Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs were used. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to record K+ currents. Optical mapping of membrane potential was performed in exvivo heart. There was no difference in IKs density in ventricular cardiomyocytes between young and old guinea pigs. However, in contrast to IKs potentiation in young hearts, isoproterenol (ISO) evoked an acute inhibition on IKs in a concentration-dependent manner in old guinea pig hearts. The β2AR antagonist, but not β1AR antagonist, reversed the inhibitory response. Preincubation of cardiomyocytes with the inhibitory G protein (Gi) inhibitor pertussis toxin (PTX) also reversed the inhibitory response. In HEK293 cells cotransfected with cloned IKs channel and β2AR, ISO enhanced the current but reduced it when cells were cotransfected with Gi2, and PTX restored the ISO-induced excitatory response. Moreover, in aging cardiomyocytes, Gβγ inhibitor gallein, PLC inhibitor U73122, or protein kinase C inhibitor Bis-1 prevented the reduction of IKs by ISO. Furthermore, cardiac-specific Gi2 overexpression in young guinea pigs predisposed the heart to ventricular tachyarrhythmias. PTX pretreatment protected the hearts from ventricular arrhythmias. βAR activation acutely induces an inhibitory IKs response in aging guinea pig hearts through β2AR-Gi signaling, which contributes to increased susceptibility to arrhythmogenesis in aging hearts.

Rottlerin: Structure Modifications and KCNQ1/KCNE1 Ion Channel Activity.

The slow delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs) is formed by the KCNQ1 (Kv7.1) channel, an ion channel of four α‐subunits that modulates KCNE1 β‐subunits. IKs is central to the repolarization of the cardiac action potential. Loss of function mutation reducing ventricular cardiac IKs cause the long‐QT syndrome (LQTS), a disorder that predisposes patients to arrhythmia and sudden death. Current therapy for LQTS is inadequate. Rottlerin, a natural product of the kamala tree, activates IKs and has the potential to provide a new strategy for rational drug therapy. In this study, we show that simple modifications such as penta‐acetylation or penta‐methylation of rottlerin blunts activation activity. Total synthesis was used to prepare side‐chain‐modified derivatives that slowed down KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel deactivation to different degrees. A binding hypothesis of rottlerin is provided that opens the way to improved IKs activators as novel therapeutics for the treatment of LQTS.

Characterization of changes in the configuration of action potentials in the mouse, guinea pig, and pig sinoauricular node after application of channel blockers of the rapid and slow delayed rectifier potassium currents.

We hypothesized that the repolarization phase of action potentials (APs) in mammals with large body mass and high cardiac output could not be reliably controlled by only one of the delayed rectifier potassium IK current components. To test this hypothesis experimentally, we performed a comparative study of the response of AP phases to the rapid IKr channels blocker E-4031 and slow IKs blocker chromanol 293B in APs spontaneously generated in strips of sinoauricular (SA) tissue from mouse, guinea pig, and pig hearts. Application of a slow channels blocker chromanol 293B caused a decrease of Aps generation frequency in SA area strips from mouse, guinea-pig and pig by 5.3, 16, and 18% compared to the control. Treatment with the IKr blocker E-4031 caused a significant reduction of APs generation frequency in the mouse, guinea pig, and pig SA strips by 24, 26, and 36%, respectively, compared to the control values. These results suggest that the rapid IKr current is the key component responsible for AP generation in sinoauricular node cells of the pig heart.

Investigating the Complex Arrhythmic Phenotype Caused by the Gain-of-Function Mutation KCNQ1-G229D.

The congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a cardiac electrophysiological disorder that can cause sudden cardiac death. LQT1 is a subtype of LQTS caused by mutations in KCNQ1, affecting the slow delayed-rectifier potassium current (IKs), which is essential for cardiac repolarization. Paradoxically, gain-of-function mutations in KCNQ1 have been reported to cause borderline QT prolongation, atrial fibrillation (AF), sinus bradycardia, and sudden death, however, the mechanisms are not well understood. The goal of the study is to investigate the ionic, cellular and tissue mechanisms underlying the complex phenotype of a gain-of-function mutation in KCNQ1, c.686G > A (p.G229D) using computer modeling and simulations informed by in vitro measurements. Previous studies have shown this mutation to cause AF and borderline QT prolongation. We report a clinical description of a family that carry this mutation and that a member of the family died suddenly during sleep at 21 years old. Using patch-clamp experiments, we confirm that KCNQ1-G229D causes a significant gain in channel function. We introduce the effect of the mutation in populations of atrial, ventricular and sinus node (SN) cell models to investigate mechanisms underlying phenotypic variability. In a population of human atrial and ventricular cell models and tissue, the presence of KCNQ1-G229D predominantly shortens atrial action potential duration (APD). However, in a subset of models, KCNQ1-G229D can act to prolong ventricular APD by up to 7% (19 ms) and underlie depolarization abnormalities, which could promote QT prolongation and conduction delays. Interestingly, APD prolongations were predominantly seen at slow pacing cycle lengths (CL > 1,000 ms), which suggests a greater arrhythmic risk during bradycardia, and is consistent with the observed sudden death during sleep. In a population of human SN cell models, the KCNQ1-G229D mutation results in slow/abnormal sinus rhythm, and we identify that a stronger L-type calcium current enables the SN to be more robust to the mutation. In conclusion, our computational modeling experiments provide novel mechanistic explanations for the observed borderline QT prolongation, and predict that KCNQ1-G229D could underlie SN dysfunction and conduction delays. The mechanisms revealed in the study can potentially inform management and treatment of KCNQ1 gain-of-function mutation carriers.

Human Atrial Arrhythmogenesis and Sinus Bradycardia in KCNQ1-Linked Short QT Syndrome: Insights From Computational Modelling.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and sinus bradycardia have been reported in patients with short QT syndrome variant 2 (SQT2), which is underlain by gain-of-function mutations in KCNQ1 encoding the α subunit of channels carrying slow delayed rectifier potassium current, IKs. However, the mechanism(s) underlying the increased atrial arrhythmogenesis and impaired cardiac pacemaking activity arising from increased IKs remain unclear. Possible pharmacological interventions of AF in the SQT2 condition also remain to be elucidated. Using computational modelling, we assessed the functional impact of SQT2 mutations on human sinoatrial node (SAN) pacemaking, atrial repolarisation and arrhythmogenesis, and efficacy of the anti-arrhythmic drug quinidine. Markov chain formulations of IKs describing two KCNQ1 mutations – V141M and V307L – were developed from voltage-clamp experimental data and then incorporated into contemporary action potential (AP) models of human atrial and SAN cells, the former of which were integrated into idealised and anatomically detailed tissue models. Both mutations shortened atrial AP duration (APD) through distinct IKs ‘gain-of-function’ mechanisms, whereas SAN pacemaking rate was slowed markedly only by the V141M mutation. Differences in APD restitution steepness influenced re-entry dynamics in tissue – the V141M mutation promoted stationary and stable spiral waves whereas the V307L mutation promoted non-stationary and unstable re-entrant waves. Both mutations shortened tissue excitation wavelength through reduced effective refractory period but not conduction velocity, which served to increase the lifespan of re-entrant excitation in a 3D anatomical human atria model, as well as the dominant frequency (DF), which was higher for the V141M mutation. Quinidine was effective at terminating arrhythmic excitation waves associated with the V307L but not V141M mutation, and reduced the DF in a dose-dependent manner under both mutation conditions. This study provides mechanistic insights into different AF/bradycardia phenotypes in SQT2 and the efficacy of quinidine pharmacotherapy.

Correction: Experimentally-Based Computational Investigation into Beat-To-Beat Variability in Ventricular Repolarization and Its Response to Ionic Current Inhibition.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151461.].

Molecular determinants of Kv7.1/KCNE1 channel inhibition by amitriptyline

Amitriptyline (AMIT) is a compound widely prescribed for psychiatric and non-psychiatric conditions including depression, migraine, chronic pain, and anorexia. However, AMIT has been associated with risks of cardiac arrhythmia and sudden death since it can induce prolongation of the QT interval on the surface electrocardiogram and torsade de pointes ventricular arrhythmia. These complications have been attributed to the inhibition of the rapid delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr). The slow delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs) is the main repolarizing cardiac current when IKr is compromised and it has an important role in cardiac repolarization at fast heart rates induced by an elevated sympathetic tone. Therefore, we sought to characterize the effects of AMIT on Kv7.1/KCNE1 and homomeric Kv7.1 channels expressed in HEK-293H cells. Homomeric Kv7.1 and Kv7.1/KCNE1 channels were inhibited by AMIT in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 8.8 ± 2.1 μM and 2.5 ± 0.8 μM, respectively. This effect was voltage-independent for both homomeric Kv7.1 and Kv7.1/KCNE1 channels. Moreover, mutation of residues located on the P-loop and S6 domain along with molecular docking, suggest that T312, I337 and F340 are the most important molecular determinants for AMIT-Kv7.1 channel interaction. Our experimental findings and modeling suggest that AMIT preferentially blocks the open state of Kv7.1/KCNE1 channels by interacting with specific residues that were previously reported to be important for binding of other compounds, such as chromanol 293B and the benzodiazepine L7.

Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate is required for KCNQ1/KCNE1 channel function but not anterograde trafficking.

The slow delayed-rectifier potassium current (IKs) is crucial for human cardiac action potential repolarization. The formation of IKs requires co-assembly of the KCNQ1 α-subunit and KCNE1 β-subunit, and mutations in either of these subunits can lead to hereditary long QT syndrome types 1 and 5, respectively. It is widely recognised that the KCNQ1/KCNE1 (Q1/E1) channel requires phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) binding for function. We previously identified a cluster of basic residues in the proximal C-terminus of KCNQ1 that form a PIP2/phosphoinositide binding site. Upon charge neutralisation of these residues we found that the channel became more retained in the endoplasmic reticulum, which raised the possibility that channel–phosphoinositide interactions could play a role in channel trafficking. To explore this further we used a chemically induced dimerization (CID) system to selectively deplete PIP2 and/or phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PI(4)P) at the plasma membrane (PM) or Golgi, and we subsequently monitored the effects on both channel trafficking and function. The depletion of PIP2 and/or PI(4)P at either the PM or Golgi did not alter channel cell-surface expression levels. However, channel function was extremely sensitive to the depletion of PIP2 at the PM, which is in contrast to the response of other cardiac potassium channels tested (Kir2.1 and Kv11.1). Surprisingly, when using the CID system IKs was dramatically reduced even before dimerization was induced, highlighting limitations regarding the utility of this system when studying processes highly sensitive to PIP2 depletion. In conclusion, we identify that the Q1/E1 channel does not require PIP2 or PI(4)P for anterograde trafficking, but is heavily reliant on PIP2 for channel function once at the PM.

Prenatal nicotinic exposure prolongs superior laryngeal C-fiber-mediated apnea and bradycardia through enhancing neuronal TRPV1 expression and excitation.

Maternal cigarette smoke, including prenatal nicotinic exposure (PNE), is responsible for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The fatal events of SIDS are characterized by severe bradycardia and life-threatening apneas. Although activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) of superior laryngeal C fibers (SLCFs) could induce bradycardia and apnea and has been implicated in SIDS pathogenesis, how PNE affects the SLCF-mediated cardiorespiratory responses remains unexplored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that PNE would aggravate the SLCF-mediated apnea and bradycardia via up-regulating TRPV1 expression and excitation of laryngeal C neurons in the nodose/jugular (N/J) ganglia. To this end, we compared the following outcomes between control and PNE rat pups at postnatal days 11-14: 1) the cardiorespiratory responses to intralaryngeal application of capsaicin (10 µg/ml, 50 µl), a selective stimulant for TRPV1 receptors, in anesthetized preparation; 2) immunoreactivity and mRNA of TRPV1 receptors of laryngeal sensory C neurons in the N/J ganglia retrogradely traced by 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate; and 3) TRPV1 currents and electrophysiological characteristics of these neurons by using whole-cell patch-clamp technique in vitro Our results showed that PNE markedly prolonged the apneic response and exacerbated the bradycardic response to intralaryngeal perfusion of capsaicin, which was associated with up-regulation of TRPV1 expression in laryngeal C neurons. In addition, PNE increased the TRPV1 currents, depressed the slow delayed rectifier potassium currents, and increased the resting membrane potential of these neurons. Our results suggest that PNE is capable of aggravating the SLCF-mediated apnea and bradycardia through TRPV1 sensitization and neuronal excitation, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of SIDS.-Gao, X., Zhao, L., Zhuang, J., Zang, N., Xu, F. Prenatal nicotinic exposure prolongs superior laryngeal C-fiber-mediated apnea and bradycardia through enhancing neuronal TRPV1 expression and excitation.

Simulation study of the ionic mechanisms underlying Torsade de Pointes in a 2D cardiac tissue

BackgroundTo understand the ionic mechanism behind the genesis of Torsade de Pointes (TdP) occurring with long QT syndrome 2 (LQTS2) in a remodelled transmural tissue. MethodsThe TP06 model is used to simulate the electrical activity of cells in a 2D transmural ventricular model. LQTS2 is realised by reducing the potassium current (IKr) to 0.5 in each cell. Each cell of the tissue is remodelled by increasing the conductance of calcium current (GCaL). The above two factors make the cells prone to early after depolarizations (EADs) development. The rise in GCaL that can develop a sustained TdP at normal pacing rate is determined from this study. A look at the calcium dynamics, sodium-calcium exchanger current (INaCa) and slow delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs) distribution maps of the tissue helps us in analysing the mechanism of TdP generation. ResultsA TdP type pattern at normal pacing rate is generated when GCaL is more than 3.5 times the control parameter. From the M-cell island, an adequate number of cells spontaneously release calcium from their sarcoplasmic reticulum leading to increased intracellular calcium and inward sodium current through the sodium calcium exchanger current (INaCa). These contribute to the development of EADs which create a depolarising wavefront that triggers TdP in the tissue. When GCaL is less than 3.5 times the control value, premature ventricular complexes (PVC) occur interspersed between normal beats. ConclusionNormal pacing rates can induce a multi focal TdP when sufficient number of M-cells simultaneously undergo spontaneous calcium release (SCR) events.

In silico investigation of a KCNQ1 mutation associated with short QT syndrome

Short QT syndrome (SQTS) is a rare condition characterized by abnormally ‘short’ QT intervals on the ECG and increased susceptibility to cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. This simulation study investigated arrhythmia dynamics in multi-scale human ventricle models associated with the SQT2-related V307L KCNQ1 ‘gain-of-function’ mutation, which increases slow-delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs). A Markov chain (MC) model recapitulating wild type (WT) and V307L mutant IKs kinetics was incorporated into a model of the human ventricular action potential (AP) for investigation of QT interval changes and arrhythmia substrates. In addition, the degree of simulated IKs inhibition necessary to normalize the QT interval and terminate re-entry in SQT2 conditions was quantified. The developed MC model accurately reproduced AP shortening and reduced effective refractory period associated with altered IKs kinetics in homozygous (V307L) and heterozygous (WT-V307L) mutation conditions, which increased the lifespan and dominant frequency of re-entry in 3D human ventricle models. IKs reductions of 58% and 65% were sufficient to terminate re-entry in WT-V307L and V307L conditions, respectively. This study further substantiates a causal link between the V307L KCNQ1 mutation and pro-arrhythmia in human ventricles, and establishes partial inhibition of IKs as a potential anti-arrhythmic strategy in SQT2.

Photo-Cross-Linking of IKs Demonstrates State-Dependent Interactions between KCNE1 and KCNQ1

The slow delayed rectifier potassium current (IKs) is a key repolarizing current during the cardiac action potential. It consists of four KCNQ1 α-subunits and up to four KCNE1 β-subunits, which are thought to reside within external clefts of the channel. The interaction of KCNE1 with KCNQ1 dramatically delays opening of the channel but the mechanisms by which this occur are not yet fully understood. Here, we have used unnatural amino acid photo-cross-linking to investigate the dynamic interactions that occur between KCNQ1 and KCNE1 during activation gating. The unnatural amino acid p-Benzoylphenylalanine was successfully incorporated into two residues within the transmembrane domain of KCNE1: F56 and F57. UV-induced cross-linking suggested that F56Bpa interacts with KCNQ1 in the open state, whereas F57Bpa interacts predominantly in resting channel conformations. When UV was applied at progressively more depolarized preopen holding potentials, cross-linking of F57Bpa with KCNQ1 was slowed, which indicates that KCNE1 is displaced within the channel’s cleft early during activation, or that conformational changes in KCNQ1 alter its interaction with KCNE1. In E1R/R4E KCNQ1, a mutant with constitutively activated voltage sensors, F56Bpa and F57Bpa KCNE1 were cross-linked in open and closed states, respectively, which suggests that their actions are mediated mainly by modulation of KCNQ1 pore function.