Mechanical modulation of cardiac microtubules

Microtubules are a major component of the cardiac myocyte cytoskeleton. Interventions that alter it may influence cardiac mechanical and electrical activity by disrupting the trafficking of proteins to and from the surface membrane by molecular motors such as dynein, which use microtubules as tracks to step along. Free tubulin dimers may transfer GTP to the α-subunits of G-proteins, thus an increase in free tubulin could increase the activity of G-proteins; evidence for and against such a role exists. There is more general agreement that microtubules act as compression-resisting structures within myocytes, influencing visco-elasticity of myocytes and increasing resistance to shortening when proliferated and resisting deformation from longitudinal shear stress. In response to pressure overload, there can be post-translational modifications resulting in more stable microtubules and an increase in microtubule density. This is accompanied by contractile dysfunction of myocytes which can be reversed by microtubule disruption. There are reports of mechanically induced changes in electrical activity that are dependent upon microtubules, but at present, a consensus is lacking on whether disruption or proliferation would be beneficial in the prevention of arrhythmias. Microtubules certainly play a role in the response of cardiac myocytes to mechanical stimulation, the exact nature and significance of this role is still to be fully determined.