Modulation of cardiac Na(+) and Ca(2+) currents by CaM and CaMKII

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2006 May:17 Suppl 1:S26-S33. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2006.00382.x.

Abstract

Sarcolemmal sodium (Na) and calcium (Ca) currents are fundamentally involved in shaping the cardiac action potential. Alterations in Na or Ca currents can change action potential characteristics and therefore might result in cardiac arrhythmias. Also, these ions contribute to excitation-contraction coupling and therefore are important in myocyte shortening and contractility of the heart. This review article summarizes how sarcolemmal Na and Ca channels are regulated with an emphasis on the novel role of Ca-dependent proteins Calmodulin (CaM) and especially Ca/CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) to modulate sarcolemmal Na and Ca channels in the heart.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials / physiology
  • Animals
  • Calcium / chemistry
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels / physiology*
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Calmodulin / metabolism*
  • Computer Simulation
  • Humans
  • Ion Channel Gating / physiology
  • Membrane Potentials / physiology*
  • Models, Cardiovascular
  • Models, Chemical
  • Models, Molecular
  • Sodium / chemistry
  • Sodium / metabolism*
  • Sodium Channels / chemistry
  • Sodium Channels / physiology*

Substances

  • Calcium Channels
  • Calmodulin
  • Sodium Channels
  • Sodium
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases
  • Calcium