Key result
Ca2+ microdomains play a crucial role in excitation-transcription coupling, contributing to physiological adaptation and pathophysiological remodeling in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells.
Why the study?
Abnormal Ca2+ signaling is implicated in cardiovascular diseases, but the molecular mechanisms and roles of Ca2+ microdomain-based excitation-transcription coupling in cardiac myocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells needed synthesis.
Localized Ca2+ microdomain signaling via excitation-transcription coupling is a key molecular mechanism driving both adaptive and pathological remodeling in cardiac myocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells.
No immediate clinical implications for remodeling; leaves open targeted Ca2+ microdomain therapies in cardiac and vascular disease.
Ca 2+ signals play a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis, including regulation of the heartbeat, blood pressure, and adaptation to changes in the external environment. Conversely, abnormal Ca 2+ signaling is often involved in the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases, such as cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, arteriosclerosis, and hypertension. In excitable cells, such as cardiac myocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), membrane depolarization, and the subsequent elevation of cytosolic Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] cyt ) via voltage-dependent Ca 2+ channels (VDCCs) cause muscle contraction, which is known as excitation–contraction coupling (E-C coupling). Elevated [Ca 2+ ] cyt can also activate Ca 2+ -dependent enzymes, in some cases leading to changes in gene expression patterns and contributing to long-term cellular responses. This mechanism is referred to as excitation-transcription coupling (E-T coupling), and it is involved in both the adaptive and pathological responses of the cardiovascular system to chronic stimulation. Specific intracellular regions, known as Ca 2+ microdomains, exhibit localized increases in [Ca 2+ ] cyt . Such localized Ca 2+ signaling is now known to be one of the molecular mechanisms controlling the diversity of Ca 2+ responses. These Ca 2+ microdomains are often formed by complexes consisting of Ca 2+ channels and downstream Ca 2+ -dependent enzymes localized by scaffolding proteins. This review outlines some of the molecular mechanisms and roles of Ca 2+ microdomain-based E-T coupling in cardiac myocytes and VSMCs. First, we discuss the major molecular components that are essential for functional Ca 2+ microdomains. For example, VDCC (Ca V 1.2 channel), ryanodine receptor (RyR), Ca 2+ -dependent enzymes (Ca 2+ /CaM-dependent kinase [CaMK], calcineurin [CaN], and calpain), and scaffolding proteins (A-kinase anchoring proteins [AKAPs], caveolin, and junctophilin). Next, we discuss the roles of Ca 2+ microdomain-based E-T coupling in physiological and pathophysiological remodeling in cardiac myocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Koide et al. (2025) conducted a review in Cardiovascular diseases. Ca2+ microdomains play a crucial role in excitation-transcription coupling, contributing to physiological adaptation and pathophysiological remodeling in cardiac and vascular smooth muscle cells.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: