Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Generation of Murine Cardiac Pacemaker Cell Aggregates Based on ES-Cell-Programming in Combination with Myh6-Promoter-Selection
Published on: February 17, 2015
VMP1 forms a Ca2+ release channel essential for postnatal heartbeat
Yuying Ma1,2,3, Qiguang Li4,5, Yuting Jia2,6,7
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Immunological Research of Allergy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tsinghua Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Normal heart contraction requires synchronized calcium ion (Ca2+) release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), traditionally attributed to ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2). Here, we identify vacuole membrane protein 1 (VMP1) as a previously unrecognized SR Ca2+ release channel essential for postnatal cardiac function. VMP1 expression is up-regulated in cardiomyocytes after birth, and its genetic deletion causes severe arrhythmias, dilated cardiomyopathy, and sudden cardiac death. Mechanistically, VMP1 loss results in increased SR Ca2+ content and aberrant cardiac action potentials. Single-channel electrophysiology reveals that VMP1 forms a Ca2+-regulated Ca2+ channel, which senses luminal Ca2+ via aspartic acid 272. Notably, VMP1 expression is elevated in human heart failure, suggesting a pathophysiological role. These findings establish VMP1 as a critical component of the cardiac Ca2+ release machinery and uncover its involvement in heart failure.
Related Concept Videos
Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm
Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
G-Protein Gated Ion Channels
Sensory organs,...
Cardiac Action Potential
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
Conduction System of the Heart
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...
Conduction System of the Heart
This system relies on the unique properties of nodal and Purkinje cells:...

