TRPC3 contributes to regulation of cardiac contractility and arrhythmogenesis by dynamic interaction with NCX1
Bernhard Doleschal1, Uwe Primessnig2, Gerald Wölkart1
1Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Aim:
TRPC3 is a non-selective cation channel, which forms a Ca2+ entry pathway involved in cardiac remodelling. Our aim was to analyse acute electrophysiological and contractile consequences of TRPC3 activation in the heart.
Methods And Results:
We used a murine model of cardiac TRPC3 overexpression and a novel TRPC3 agonist, GSK1702934A, to uncover (patho)physiological functions of TRPC3. GSK1702934A induced a transient, non-selective conductance and prolonged action potentials in TRPC3-overexpressing myocytes but lacked significant electrophysiological effects in wild-type myocytes. GSK1702934A transiently enhanced contractility and evoked arrhythmias in isolated Langendorff hearts from TRPC3-overexpressing but not wild-type mice. Interestingly, pro-arrhythmic effects outlasted TRPC3 current activation, were prevented by enhanced intracellular Ca2+ buffering, and suppressed by the NCX inhibitor 3',4'-dichlorobenzamil hydrochloride. GSK1702934A substantially promoted NCX currents in TRPC3-overexpressing myocytes. The TRPC3-dependent electrophysiologic, pro-arrhythmic, and inotropic actions of GSK1702934A were mimicked by angiotensin II (AngII). Immunocytochemistry demonstrated colocalization of TRPC3 with NCX1 and disruption of local interaction upon channel activation by either GSK1702934A or AngII.
Conclusion:
Cardiac TRPC3 mediates Ca2+ and Na+ entry in proximity of NCX1, thereby elevating cellular Ca2+ levels and contractility. Excessive activation of TRPC3 is associated with transient cellular Ca2+ overload, spatial uncoupling between TRPC3 and NCX1, and arrhythmogenesis. We propose TRPC3-NCX micro/nanodomain communication as determinant of cardiac contractility and susceptibility to arrhythmogenic stimuli.
Insights
Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 3 (TRPC3) channels in the heart influence contractility and arrhythmias. Excessive TRPC3 activation can lead to calcium overload and irregular heartbeats, highlighting its role in cardiac function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Molecular Physiology
- Ion Channel Research
Background:
- Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 3 (TRPC3) channels are implicated in cardiac remodeling via calcium (Ca2+) entry.
- Understanding the acute electrophysiological and contractile effects of TRPC3 activation is crucial for cardiac health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immediate electrophysiological and contractile consequences of activating TRPC3 in the heart.
- To elucidate the role of TRPC3 in cardiac function and arrhythmogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a murine model with cardiac TRPC3 overexpression.
- Employed a novel TRPC3 agonist (GSK1702934A) and angiotensin II (AngII) for channel activation.
- Assessed electrophysiological properties, contractility, and ion channel interactions (TRPC3 and NCX1) using isolated myocytes and Langendorff hearts.
Main Results:
- GSK1702934A induced non-selective cation conductance and prolonged action potentials in TRPC3-overexpressing myocytes, but not wild-type.
- TRPC3 activation enhanced contractility and evoked arrhythmias in TRPC3-overexpressing hearts, effects mimicked by AngII.
- Pro-arrhythmic effects were linked to increased sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) currents and spatial uncoupling between TRPC3 and NCX1.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac TRPC3 mediates Ca2+ and Na+ entry near NCX1, impacting cellular Ca2+ levels and contractility.
- Overactivation of TRPC3 contributes to transient Ca2+ overload, arrhythmogenesis, and spatial disruption of TRPC3-NCX1 communication.
- TRPC3-NCX micro/nanodomain communication is a key determinant of cardiac contractility and susceptibility to arrhythmias.
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