Calcium signalling in developing cardiomyocytes: implications for model systems and disease
William E Louch1, Jussi T Koivumäki, Pasi Tavi
1Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0424, Oslo, Norway; K. G. Jebsen Cardiac Research Center and Center for Heart Failure Research, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway.
The Journal of Physiology
|February 3, 2015
Summary
Adult heart cells (cardiomyocytes) develop complex calcium (Ca2+) control for muscle function. This review explores cardiomyocyte development and how disease can revert cells to an immature state, impacting research models.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Cellular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Adult cardiomyocytes possess sophisticated calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis crucial for regulating heart muscle contraction and relaxation.
- This complex regulatory system matures progressively throughout development, involving specialized cellular structures and enhanced Ca2+ handling capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of cardiomyocyte calcium homeostasis development.
- To compare developmental processes with pathophysiological conditions causing regression to immature Ca2+ handling.
- To emphasize the significance of developmental physiology in interpreting studies using immature cardiomyocyte models.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of developmental physiology in cardiomyocytes.
- Comparative analysis of mature vs. immature cardiomyocyte Ca2+ homeostasis.
- Discussion of implications for stem cell and neonatal cardiomyocyte research models.
Main Results:
- Cardiomyocyte Ca2+ homeostasis undergoes gradual maturation, involving structural and functional development.
- Pathophysiological states can induce a regression to an immature Ca2+ handling phenotype in adult cardiomyocytes.
- Immature cardiomyocyte models (neonatal, stem cells) recapitulate aspects of developmental Ca2+ handling.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the developmental trajectory of cardiomyocyte Ca2+ homeostasis is essential for accurate interpretation of cellular function.
- Deviations from mature Ca2+ handling in disease highlight the importance of studying developmental processes.
- Careful consideration of developmental physiology is critical when utilizing immature cardiomyocyte models in research.
