NOS1AP modulates intracellular Ca(2+) in cardiac myocytes and is up-regulated in dystrophic cardiomyopathy

NOS1AP gene (nitric oxide synthase 1-adaptor protein) is strongly associated with abnormalities in the QT interval of the electrocardiogram and with sudden cardiac death. To determine the role of NOS1AP in the physiology of the cardiac myocyte, we assessed the impact of silencing NOS1AP, using siRNA, on [Ca(2+)]i transients in neonatal cardiomyocytes. In addition, we examined the co-localization of NOS1AP with cardiac ion channels, and finally, evaluated the expression of NOS1AP in a mouse model of dystrophic cardiomyopathy. Using siRNA, NOS1AP levels were reduced to ~30% of the control levels (p<0.05). NOS1AP silencing in cardiac myocytes reduced significantly the amplitude of electrically evoked calcium transients (p<0.05) and the degree of S-nitrosylation of the cells (p<0.05). Using confocal microscopy, we evaluated NOS1AP subcellular location and interactions with other proteins by co-localization analysis. NOS1AP showed a high degree of co-localization with the L-type calcium channel and the inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir3.1, a low degree of co-localization with the ryanodine receptor (RyR2) and alfa-sarcomeric actin and no co-localization with connexin 43, suggesting functionally relevant interactions with the ion channels that regulate the action potential duration. Finally, using immunofluorescence and Western blotting, we observed that in mice with dystrophic cardiomyopathy, NOS1AP was significantly up-regulated (p<0.05). These results suggest for a role of NOS1AP on cardiac arrhythmias, acting on the L-type calcium channel, and potassium channels, probably through S-nitrosylation.