Function of FK506 binding protein (FKBP) in chick embryonic cardiac development

FK506 binding protein (BP) 12, an immunophilin of FK506-binding proteins, is involved in intra-cellular signal transduction through the calcineurin-nuclear factor pathway. FKBP12 is reported to be associated with the ryanodine-receptor and IP3 Ca2+ channels, and to regulate cell proliferation via binding transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta receptor and cyclin dependent kinase (CDK). To elucidate the function of FKBP12 in cardiac development, we analyzed the temporal profile and regulation of FKBP12 expression in chick heart and in cultured cardiomyocytes. FKBP12 is expressed in embryos as early as day 4 and is predominantly associated with cardiomyocytes and osteo-chondrocytes. Tissue FKBP level in the heart increases with development. Immunohistochemically, the distribution and levels of FKBP12 appear to be related to sarco-endoplasmic reticulum Ca-ATPase 2 (SERCA2) but not to sarcomeric proteins. In proliferating cells, FKBP12 expression correlates with cellular mitosis, but not with DNA synthesis. In earlier embryos (< day 8), suppressing the activity of FKBP by FK506 administration is lethal, and induces cardiomegaly at later stages. In cultured cardiomyocytes, FK506 reduces the level of contractile proteins and inhibits cell proliferation. These results show that FKBP12 is enriched in cell types involved in dynamic Ca handling, and is likely an important molecule for cardiac development. FKBP12 most likely functions by affecting cellular Ca handling, since its effects are modified by modulators of Ca handling by sarcoplasmic reticulum.