Calcineurin signaling in the heart: The importance of time and place

Valentina Parra, Beverly A. Rothermel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

84 Scopus citations

Abstract

The calcium-activated protein phosphatase, calcineurin, lies at the intersection of protein phosphorylation and calcium signaling cascades, where it provides an essential nodal point for coordination between these two fundamental modes of intracellular communication. In excitatory cells, such as neurons and cardiomyocytes, that experience rapid and frequent changes in cytoplasmic calcium, calcineurin protein levels are exceptionally high, suggesting that these cells require high levels of calcineurin activity. Yet, it is widely recognized that excessive activation of calcineurin in the heart contributes to pathological hypertrophic remodeling and the progression to failure. How does a calcium activated enzyme function in the calcium-rich environment of the continuously contracting heart without pathological consequences? This review will discuss the wide range of calcineurin substrates relevant to cardiovascular health and the mechanisms calcineurin uses to find and act on appropriate substrates in the appropriate location while potentially avoiding others. Fundamental differences in calcineurin signaling in neonatal verses adult cardiomyocytes will be addressed as well as the importance of maintaining heterogeneity in calcineurin activity across the myocardium. Finally, we will discuss how circadian oscillations in calcineurin activity may facilitate integration with other essential but conflicting processes, allowing a healthy heart to reap the benefits of calcineurin signaling while avoiding the detrimental consequences of sustained calcineurin activity that can culminate in heart failure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)121-136
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology
Volume103
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2017

Keywords

  • Calcineurin
  • Circadian rhythms
  • Heart failure
  • Microdomains
  • Transmural gradient

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Calcineurin signaling in the heart: The importance of time and place'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this