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Published on: June 14, 2016
Microtubule stabilization in pressure overload cardiac hypertrophy
H Sato1, T Nagai, D Kuppuswamy
1Cardiology Section of the Department of Medicine, Gazes Cardiac Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29401, USA.
Microtubule stabilization increases in cardiac hypertrophy, indicated by Glu- and Delta2-tubulin markers. This stabilization, possibly involving microtubule-associated protein 4, contributes to increased microtubule density in pressure overload.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cardiac hypertrophy involves increased microtubule density, potentially due to stabilization.
- Alpha-tubulin undergoes detyrosination and deglutamination, forming Glu- and Delta2-tubulin, markers of stable microtubules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microtubule stabilization as a mechanism for increased microtubule density in cardiac hypertrophy.
- To characterize the presence of Glu- and Delta2-tubulin in hypertrophied cardiac cells.
Main Methods:
- Generated antibodies for Tyr-, Glu-, and Delta2-tubulin.
- Performed immunofluorescence staining on cardiac cells from control and hypertrophied cats.
- Assessed microtubule stability using drug and cold treatments.
- Quantified microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4) mRNA and protein levels.
Main Results:
- Glu- and Delta2-tubulin were significantly increased in right ventricular cardiocytes from pressure-overloaded cats, indicating microtubule stabilization.
- Microtubules in hypertrophied cells showed increased resistance to cold and drugs.
- Microtubule-associated protein 4 (MAP4) expression increased at both mRNA and protein levels in hypertrophied myocardium.
Conclusions:
- Microtubule stabilization is a key feature of pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.
- Increased microtubule density in hypertrophy may be mediated by microtubule stabilization, potentially involving MAP4.
- Glu- and Delta2-tubulin serve as reliable markers for stable microtubules in cardiac hypertrophy research.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cellular Adaptation II: Hypertrophy

