S-glutathiolation impairs phosphoregulation and function of cardiac myosin-binding protein C in human heart failure

Konstantina Stathopoulou1, Ilka Wittig2, Juliana Heidler2

  • 1Department of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Frankfurt, Germany;

Insights

Oxidation of cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) via S-glutathiolation impairs its phosphorylation and function, contributing to heart failure. This study identifies key oxidation sites and their impact on cardiac contractility.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cardiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) is crucial for regulating cardiac myocyte contraction and relaxation.
  • Its function is modulated by phosphorylation, a process potentially affected by oxidative stress in heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of S-glutathiolation, a specific oxidation event, on cMyBP-C function in human heart failure.
  • To identify disease-specific S-glutathiolation sites on cMyBP-C and assess their impact on phosphorylation and myocyte contractility.

Main Methods:

  • Redox proteomics was employed to identify S-glutathiolation sites on cMyBP-C in human heart failure samples.
  • In vitro studies using recombinant cMyBP-C and ventricular myocytes from wild-type and knockout mice were conducted.
  • S-glutathiolation was induced using glutathione disulfide to assess functional consequences.

Main Results:

  • Reduced cMyBP-C phosphorylation correlated with increased S-glutathiolation in heart failure patients.
  • A specific cysteine cluster in the C1-M-C2 domain showed enhanced S-glutathiolation, particularly at Cys(249).
  • In vitro S-glutathiolation attenuated cMyBP-C phosphorylation and decelerated Ca(2+)-activated force development in cardiac myocytes.

Conclusions:

  • S-glutathiolation of cMyBP-C impairs its phosphoregulation by protein kinases.
  • This oxidation event contributes to reduced cMyBP-C phosphorylation and contractile dysfunction in human heart failure.
  • Targeting S-glutathiolation may offer a therapeutic strategy for heart failure.

Related Concept Videos

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
4.5K
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
671
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents01:26

Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents

Positive inotropic agents are commonly used as the first line of treatment for heart failure. One such agent is digoxin, derived from the genus Digitalis, which has been known for centuries but effectively utilized since 1785. However, these cardiac glycosides can have potentially toxic effects due to their mechanism of action, which involves inhibiting Na+/K+-ATPase and increasing contractility. Digoxin is absorbed orally and distributed in various tissues, including the CNS. It has a long...
1.8K