Cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium leak: basis and roles in cardiac dysfunction

Donald M Bers1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Davis, California 95616;

Annual Review of Physiology
|November 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac SR calcium (Ca) leak, often via ryanodine receptors, impairs heart function and energetics. This review details SR Ca leak

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Synchronized sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium (Ca) release is vital for cardiac excitation-contraction coupling.
  • SR Ca leak, including Ca sparks and waves, can disrupt normal heart function, particularly in heart failure.
  • Leakage primarily occurs through ryanodine receptors and has significant physiological consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the quantitative aspects and manifestations of SR Ca leak.
  • To discuss the measurement of SR Ca leak.
  • To explore how Ca, associated proteins, and posttranslational modifications modulate SR Ca leak in health and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on quantitative aspects of SR Ca leak.
  • Analysis of mechanisms and modulators of SR Ca leak.
  • Synthesis of information on SR Ca leak's impact on cardiac function.

Main Results:

  • SR Ca leak can lead to systolic and diastolic dysfunction by altering Ca availability and diastolic Ca levels.
  • SR Ca leak contributes to triggered arrhythmias and increases cellular energy expenditure.
  • Factors such as Ca concentration, protein interactions, and posttranslational modifications influence SR Ca leak.

Conclusions:

  • SR Ca leak is a critical determinant of cardiac function and energetics.
  • Understanding SR Ca leak is essential for managing heart failure and related conditions.
  • Further research into modulating SR Ca leak holds therapeutic potential.

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