RATIONALE: Neuronal calcium sensor-1 (NCS-1) regulates various neuronal functions. Although it is expressed in the heart, very little is known about its cardiac functions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the physiological and pathological roles of NCS-1 in the heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: We characterized the cardiac functions of knockout mice (Ncs1(-/-)) and identified NCS-1 as a novel regulator of cardiac Ca(2+) signaling, specifically in immature and hypertrophic hearts. NCS-1 was highly expressed in young hearts, and its deletion decreased survival and contractile function in young mice. Intracellular Ca(2+) levels and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) content were significantly lower in Ncs1(-/-) myocytes than in wild-type cells. This was due to reduced Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity in Ncs1(-/-) myocytes, which led to reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) uptake and release. NCS-1 physically and functionally interacted with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) in the heart. In addition, IP(3)R stimulation resulted in phosphorylation of CaMKII-δ, which was enhanced by NCS-1 overexpression. These results suggest that a functional link exists between NCS-1, IP(3)R function, and CaMKII activation that may affect global Ca(2+) signals in the immature heart. Furthermore, NCS-1 was upregulated in hypertrophic hearts, and hormone-induced hypertrophy was largely prevented in Ncs1(-/-) hearts. Inhibitors of IP(3)Rs, CaMKII, and calcineurin all prevented NCS-1-induced hypertrophy, which suggests the involvement of these pathways. CONCLUSIONS: NCS-1 is an important regulator of immature heart function and hypertrophy, and it functions in part by promoting IP(3)R function, followed by CaMKII-dependent signal activation.
RATIONALE: Neuronal calcium sensor-1 (NCS-1) regulates various neuronal functions. Although it is expressed in the heart, very little is known about its cardiac functions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the physiological and pathological roles of NCS-1 in the heart. METHODS AND RESULTS: We characterized the cardiac functions of knockout mice (Ncs1(-/-)) and identified NCS-1 as a novel regulator of cardiac Ca(2+) signaling, specifically in immature and hypertrophic hearts. NCS-1 was highly expressed in young hearts, and its deletion decreased survival and contractile function in young mice. Intracellular Ca(2+) levels and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) content were significantly lower in Ncs1(-/-) myocytes than in wild-type cells. This was due to reduced Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity in Ncs1(-/-) myocytes, which led to reduced sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) uptake and release. NCS-1 physically and functionally interacted with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP(3)Rs) in the heart. In addition, IP(3)R stimulation resulted in phosphorylation of CaMKII-δ, which was enhanced by NCS-1 overexpression. These results suggest that a functional link exists between NCS-1, IP(3)R function, and CaMKII activation that may affect global Ca(2+) signals in the immature heart. Furthermore, NCS-1 was upregulated in hypertrophic hearts, and hormone-induced hypertrophy was largely prevented in Ncs1(-/-) hearts. Inhibitors of IP(3)Rs, CaMKII, and calcineurin all prevented NCS-1-induced hypertrophy, which suggests the involvement of these pathways. CONCLUSIONS:NCS-1 is an important regulator of immature heart function and hypertrophy, and it functions in part by promoting IP(3)R function, followed by CaMKII-dependent signal activation.
Authors: Robert D Burgoyne; Nordine Helassa; Hannah V McCue; Lee P Haynes Journal: Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol Date: 2019-05-01 Impact factor: 10.005
Authors: Stefan Nagel; Stefan Ehrentraut; Jürgen Tomasch; Stefan Lienenklaus; Björn Schneider; Robert Geffers; Corinna Meyer; Maren Kaufmann; Hans G Drexler; Roderick A F MacLeod Journal: PLoS One Date: 2012-07-27 Impact factor: 3.240