Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity is required for V(D)J recombination.

A whole-genome CRISPR/Cas9 screen identified ATP2A2, the gene encoding the Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) 2 protein, as being important for V(D)J recombination. SERCAs are ER transmembrane proteins that pump Ca2+ from the cytosol into the ER lumen to maintain the ER Ca2+ reservoir and regulate cytosolic Ca2+-dependent processes. In preB cells, loss of SERCA2 leads to reduced V(D)J recombination kinetics due to diminished RAG-mediated DNA cleavage. SERCA2 deficiency in B cells leads to increased expression of SERCA3, and combined loss of SERCA2 and SERCA3 results in decreased ER Ca2+ levels, increased cytosolic Ca2+ levels, reduction in RAG1 and RAG2 gene expression, and a profound block in V(D)J recombination. Mice with B cells deficient in SERCA2 and humans with Darier disease, caused by heterozygous ATP2A2 mutations, have reduced numbers of mature B cells. We conclude that SERCA proteins modulate intracellular Ca2+ levels to regulate RAG1 and RAG2 gene expression and V(D)J recombination and that defects in SERCA functions cause lymphopenia.

Toll-Like Receptor 9 Promotes Survival in SERCA2a KO Heart Failure Mice.

Aim. Inflammation is important in heart failure (HF). The role of the immune receptor toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) in HF is not understood and not investigated in diastolic HF. We investigated the role of TLR9 in a murine diastolic HF model caused by cardiomyocyte SERCA2a excision. Methods and Results. We crossed SERCA2a KO and TLR9 KO mice to generate four mouse lines. Tamoxifen-induced cardiomyocyte SERCA2a gene excision was carried out in mice, causing diastolic HF. After 7.6 weeks, cardiac functions and dimensions were analyzed by echocardiography and heart tissues were processed. HF mice depleted of TLR9 demonstrated reduced survival compared to SERC2a KO mice, with a median life expectancy of 58 days compared to 63 days. Both HF groups displayed increased left atrium size, lung weight, fetal gene expressions, monocyte/macrophage infiltration, and fibrosis. However, there were no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion. In mice with SERCA2a KO-induced diastolic HF, the absence of TLR9 reduced median life expectancy. The cause remains elusive, as all investigated HF parameters were unaltered. Still, these findings support a salutary role of TLR9 in some subsets of HF conditions and underline the importance for future studies on the mechanisms of TLR9 in diastolic HF.

SERCA2 Deficiency Impairs Pancreatic ß-Cell Function in Response to Diet-Induced Obesity.

The sarcoendoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) ATPase 2 (SERCA2) pump is a P-type ATPase tasked with the maintenance of ER Ca(2+) stores. Whereas ß-cell SERCA2 expression is reduced in diabetes, the role of SERCA2 in the regulation of whole-body glucose homeostasis has remained uncharacterized. To this end, SERCA2 heterozygous mice (S2HET) were challenged with a high-fat diet (HFD) containing 45% of kilocalories from fat. After 16 weeks of the HFD, S2HET mice were hyperglycemic and glucose intolerant, but adiposity and insulin sensitivity were not different between HFD-fed S2HET mice and HFD-fed wild-type controls. Consistent with a defect in ß-cell function, insulin secretion, glucose-induced cytosolic Ca(2+) mobilization, and the onset of steady-state glucose-induced Ca(2+) oscillations were impaired in HFD-fed S2HET islets. Moreover, HFD-fed S2HET mice exhibited reduced ß-cell mass and proliferation, altered insulin production and proinsulin processing, and increased islet ER stress and death. In contrast, SERCA2 activation with a small molecule allosteric activator increased ER Ca(2+) storage and rescued tunicamycin-induced ß-cell death. In aggregate, these data suggest a critical role for SERCA2 and the regulation of ER Ca(2+) homeostasis in the ß-cell compensatory response to diet-induced obesity.

Full activation of mouse platelets requires ADP secretion regulated by SERCA3 ATPase-dependent calcium stores.

The role of the sarco-endoplasmic reticulum calcium (Ca(2+)) adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) 3 (SERCA3) in platelet physiology remains poorly understood. Here, we show that SERCA3 knockout (SERCA3(-/-)) mice exhibit prolonged tail bleeding time and rebleeding. Thrombus formation was delayed both in arteries and venules in an in vivo ferric chloride-induced thrombosis model. Defective platelet adhesion and thrombus growth over collagen was confirmed in vitro. Adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) removal by apyrase diminished adhesion and thrombus growth of control platelets to the level of SERCA3(-/-) platelets. Aggregation, dense granule secretion, and Ca(2+) mobilization of SERCA3(-/-) platelets induced by low collagen or low thrombin concentration were weaker than controls. Accordingly, SERCA3(-/-) platelets exhibited a partial defect in total stored Ca(2+) and in Ca(2+) store reuptake following thrombin stimulation. Importantly ADP, but not serotonin, rescued aggregation, secretion, and Ca(2+) mobilization in SERCA3(-/-) platelets, suggesting specificity. Dense granules appeared normal upon electron microscopy, mepacrine staining, and total serotonin content, ruling out a dense granule defect. ADP induced normal platelet aggregation, excluding a defect in ADP activation pathways. The SERCA3-specific inhibitor 2,5-di-(tert-butyl)-1,4-benzohydroquinone diminished both Ca(2+) mobilization and secretion of control platelets, as opposed to the SERCA2b inhibitor thapsigargin. This confirmed the specific role of catalytically active SERCA3 in ADP secretion. Accordingly, SERCA3-dependent Ca(2+) stores appeared depleted in SERCA3(-/-) platelets. Finally, αIIbß3 integrin blockade did not affect SERCA3-dependent secretion, therefore proving independent of αIIbß3 engagement. Altogether, these results show that SERCA3-dependent Ca(2+) stores control a specific ADP secretion pathway required for full platelet secretion induced by agonists at low concentration and independent of αIIbß3.

Essential Opposite Roles of ERK and Akt Signaling in Cardiac Steroid-Induced Increase in Heart Contractility.

Interaction of cardiac steroids (CS) with the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase elicits, in addition to inhibition of the enzyme's activity, the activation of intracellular signaling such as extracellular signal-regulated (ERK) and protein kinase B (Akt). We hypothesized that the activities of these pathways are involved in CS-induced increase in heart contractility. This hypothesis was tested using in vivo and ex vivo wild type (WT) and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) atpase1a-deficient zebrafish (accordion, acc mutant) experimental model. Heart contractility was measured in vivo and in primary cardiomyocytes in WT zebrafish larvae and acc mutant. Ca(2+) transients were determined ex vivo in adult zebrafish hearts. CS dose dependently augmented the force of contraction of larvae heart muscle and cardiomyocytes and increased Ca(2+) transients in WT but not in acc mutant. CS in vivo increased the phosphorylation rate of ERK and Akt in the adult zebrafish heart of the two strains. Pretreatment of WT zebrafish larvae or cardiomyocytes with specific MAPK inhibitors completely abolished the CS-induced increase in contractility. On the contrary, pretreatment with Akt inhibitor significantly enhanced the CS-induced increase in heart contractility both in vivo and ex vivo without affecting CS-induced Ca(2+) transients. Furthermore, pretreatment of the acc mutant larvae or cardiomyocytes with Akt inhibitor restored the CS-induced increase in heart contractility also without affecting Ca(2+) transients. These results support the notion that the activity of MAPK pathway is obligatory for CS-induced increases in heart muscle contractility. Akt activity, on the other hand, plays a negative role, via Ca(2+) independent mechanisms, in CS action. These findings point to novel potential pharmacological intervention to increase CS efficacy.

Fast-twitch skeletal muscle fiber adaptation to SERCA1 deficiency in a Dutch Improved Red and White calf pseudomyotonia case.

Missense mutations in ATP2A1 gene, encoding SERCA1 protein, cause a muscle disorder designed as congenital pseudomyotonia (PMT) in Chianina and Romagnola cattle or congenital muscular dystonia1 (CMD1) in Belgian Blue cattle. Although PMT is not life-threatening, CMD1 affected calves usually die within a few weeks of age as a result of respiratory complication. We have recently described a muscular disorder in a double muscle Dutch Improved Red and White cross-breed calf. Mutation analysis revealed an ATP2A1 mutation identical to that described in CMD1, even though clinical phenotype was quite similar to that of PMT. Here, we provide evidence for a deficiency of mutated SERCA1 in PMT affected muscles of Dutch Improved Red and White calf, but not of its mRNA. The reduced expression of SERCA1 is selective and not compensated by the SERCA2 isoform. By contrast, pathological muscles are characterized by a broad distribution of mitochondrial markers in all fiber types, not related to intrinsic features of double muscle phenotype and by an increased expression of sarcolemmal calcium extrusion pump. Calcium removal mechanisms, operating in muscle fibers as compensatory response aimed at lowering excessive cytoplasmic calcium concentration caused by SERCA1 deficiency, could explain the difference in severity of clinical signs.

Sustained Toll-Like Receptor 9 Activation Promotes Systemic and Cardiac Inflammation, and Aggravates Diastolic Heart Failure in SERCA2a KO Mice.

AIM: Cardiac inflammation is important in the pathogenesis of heart failure. However, the consequence of systemic inflammation on concomitant established heart failure, and in particular diastolic heart failure, is less explored. Here we investigated the impact of systemic inflammation, caused by sustained Toll-like receptor 9 activation, on established diastolic heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Diastolic heart failure was established in 8-10 week old cardiomyocyte specific, inducible SERCA2a knock out (i.e., SERCA2a KO) C57Bl/6J mice. Four weeks after conditional KO, mice were randomized to receive Toll-like receptor 9 agonist (CpG B; 2µg/g body weight) or PBS every third day. After additional four weeks, echocardiography, phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging, histology, flow cytometry, and cardiac RNA analyses were performed. A subgroup was followed, registering morbidity and death. Non-heart failure control groups treated with CpG B or PBS served as controls. Our main findings were: (i) Toll-like receptor 9 activation (CpG B) reduced life expectancy in SERCA2a KO mice compared to PBS treated SERCA2a KO mice. (ii) Diastolic function was lower in SERCA2a KO mice with Toll-like receptor 9 activation. (iii) Toll-like receptor 9 stimulated SERCA2a KO mice also had increased cardiac and systemic inflammation. CONCLUSION: Sustained activation of Toll-like receptor 9 causes cardiac and systemic inflammation, and deterioration of SERCA2a depletion-mediated diastolic heart failure.

Impaired left ventricular mechanical and energetic function in mice after cardiomyocyte-specific excision of Serca2.

Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase (SERCA)2 transports Ca2+ from the cytosol into the sarcoplasmic reticulum of cardiomyocytes and is essential for maintaining myocardial Ca2+ handling and thus the mechanical function of the heart. SERCA2 is a major ATP consumer in excitation-contraction coupling but is regarded to contribute to energetically efficient Ca2+ handling in the cardiomyocyte. Previous studies using cardiomyocyte-specific SERCA2 knockout (KO) mice have demonstrated that decreased SERCA2 activity reduces the Ca2+ transient amplitude and induces compensatory Ca2+ transport mechanisms that may lead to more inefficient Ca2+ transport. In this study, we examined the relationship between left ventricular (LV) function and myocardial O2 consumption (MVo2) in ex vivo hearts from SERCA2 KO mice to directly measure how SERCA2 elimination influences mechanical and energetic features of the heart. Ex vivo hearts from SERCA2 KO hearts developed mechanical dysfunction at 4 wk and demonstrated virtually no working capacity at 7 wk. In accordance with the reported reduction in Ca2+ transient amplitude in cardiomyocytes from SERCA2 KO mice, work-independent MVo2 was decreased due to a reduced energy cost of excitation-contraction coupling. As these hearts also showed a marked impairment in the efficiency of chemomechanical energy transduction (contractile efficiency, i.e, work-dependent MVo2), hearts from SERCA2 KO mice were found to be mechanically inefficient. This ex vivo evaluation of mechanical and energetic function in hearts from SERCA2 KO mice brings together findings from previous experimental and mathematical modeling-based studies and demonstrates that reduced SERCA2 activity not only leads to mechanical dysfunction but also to energetic dysfunction.

Prominent heart organ-level performance deficits in a genetic model of targeted severe and progressive SERCA2 deficiency.

The cardiac SERCA2 Ca(2+) pump is critical for maintaining normal Ca(2+) handling in the heart. Reduced SERCA2a content and blunted Ca(2+) reuptake are frequently observed in failing hearts and evidence implicates poor cardiac Ca(2+) handling in the progression of heart failure. To gain insight into mechanism we investigated a novel genetic mouse model of inducible severe and progressive SERCA2 deficiency (inducible Serca2 knockout, SERCA2 KO). These mice eventually die from overt heart failure 7-10 weeks after knockout but as yet there have been no reports on intrinsic mechanical performance at the isolated whole heart organ level. Thus we studied whole-organ ex vivo function of hearts isolated from SERCA2 KO mice at one and four weeks post-knockout in adult animals. We found that isolated KO heart function was only modestly impaired one week post-knockout, when SERCA2a protein was 32% of normal. At four weeks post-knockout, function was severely impaired with near non-detectable levels of SERCA2. During perfusion with 10 mM caffeine, LV developed pressures were similar between 4-week KO and control hearts, and end-diastolic pressures were lower in KO. When hearts were subjected to ischemia-reperfusion injury, recovery was not different between control and KO hearts at either one or four weeks post-knockout. Our findings indicate that ex vivo function of isolated SERCA2 KO hearts is severely impaired long before symptoms appear in vivo, suggesting that physiologically relevant heart function in vivo can be sustained for weeks in the absence of robust SR Ca(2+) flux.

Long-term levosimendan treatment improves systolic function and myocardial relaxation in mice with cardiomyocyte-specific disruption of the Serca2 gene.

In human heart failure (HF), reduced cardiac function has, at least partly, been ascribed to altered calcium homeostasis in cardiomyocytes. The effects of the calcium sensitizer levosimendan on diastolic dysfunction caused by reduced removal of calcium from cytosol in early diastole are not well known. In this study, we investigated the effect of long-term levosimendan treatment in a murine model of HF where the sarco(endo)plasmatic reticulum ATPase (Serca) gene is specifically disrupted in the cardiomyocytes, leading to reduced removal of cytosolic calcium. After induction of Serca2 gene disruption, these mice develop marked diastolic dysfunction as well as impaired contractility. SERCA2 knockout (SERCA2KO) mice were treated with levosimendan or vehicle from the time of KO induction. At the 7-wk end point, cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and pressure measurements. Vehicle-treated SERCA2KO mice showed significantly diminished left-ventricular (LV) contractility, as shown by decreased ejection fraction, stroke volume, and cardiac output. LV pressure measurements revealed a marked increase in the time constant (τ) of isovolumetric pressure decay, showing impaired relaxation. Levosimendan treatment significantly improved all three systolic parameters. Moreover, a significant reduction in τ toward normalization indicated improved relaxation. Gene-expression analysis, however, revealed an increase in genes related to production of the ECM in animals treated with levosimendan. In conclusion, long-term levosimendan treatment improves both contractility and relaxation in a heart-failure model with marked diastolic dysfunction due to reduced calcium transients. However, altered gene expression related to fibrosis was observed.

Beta-adrenergic stimulation maintains cardiac function in Serca2 knockout mice.

Previous studies on Serca2 knockout (KO) mice showed that cardiac function is sustained in vivo for several weeks after knockout, whereas SERCA protein levels decrease and calcium dynamics are significantly impaired. In this study, we reconcile observed cellular and organ level contractile function using a cardiac multiscale model. We identified and quantified the changes in cellular function that are both consistent with observations and able to compensate for the decrease in SERCA. Calcium transients were used as input for multiscale computational simulations to predict whole-organ response. Although this response matched experimental pressure-volume (PV) measurements in healthy mice, the reduced magnitude calcium transients observed in KO cells were insufficient to trigger ventricular ejection. To replicate the effects of elevated catecholamine levels observed in vivo, cells were treated with isoproterenol. Incorporation of the resulting measured ß-adrenergically stimulated calcium transients into the model resulted in a close match with experimental PV loops. Changes in myofilament properties, when considered in isolation, were not able to increase tension development to levels consistent with measurements, further confirming the necessity of a high ß-adrenergic state. Modeling additionally indicated that increased venous return observed in the KO mice helps maintain a high ejection fraction via the Frank-Starling effect. Our study shows that increased ß-adrenergic stimulation is a potentially highly significant compensatory mechanism by which cardiac function is maintained in Serca2 KO mice, producing the increases in both systolic and diastolic calcium, consistent with the observed contractile function observed in experimental PV measurements.

Slowed relaxation and preserved maximal force in soleus muscles of mice with targeted disruption of the Serca2 gene in skeletal muscle.

Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPases (SERCAs) play a major role in muscle contractility by pumping Ca(2+) from the cytosol into the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) store, allowing muscle relaxation and refilling of the SR with releasable Ca(2+). Decreased SERCA function has been shown to result in impaired muscle function and disease in human and animal models. In this study, we present a new mouse model with targeted disruption of the Serca2 gene in skeletal muscle (skKO) to investigate the functional consequences of reduced SERCA2 expression in skeletal muscle. SkKO mice were viable and basic muscle structure was intact. SERCA2 abundance was reduced in multiple muscles, and by as much as 95% in soleus muscle, having the highest content of slow-twitch fibres (40%). The Ca(2+) uptake rate was significantly reduced in SR vesicles in total homogenates. We did not find any compensatory increase in SERCA1 or SERCA3 abundance, or altered expression of several other Ca(2+)-handling proteins. Ultrastructural analysis revealed generally well-preserved muscle morphology, but a reduced volume of the longitudinal SR. In contracting soleus muscle in vitro preparations, skKO muscles were able to fully relax, but with a significantly slowed relaxation time compared to controls. Surprisingly, the maximal force and contraction rate were preserved, suggesting that skKO slow-twitch fibres may be able to contribute to the total muscle force despite loss of SERCA2 protein. Thus it is possible that SERCA-independent mechanisms can contribute to muscle contractile function.

Ca(2+) wave probability is determined by the balance between SERCA2-dependent Ca(2+) reuptake and threshold SR Ca(2+) content.

AIMS: In this manuscript, we determined the roles of the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase 2 (SERCA2) and the ryanodine receptor (RyR) in Ca(2+) wave development during ß-adrenergic stimulation. METHODS AND RESULTS: SERCA2 knockout mice (KO) were used 6 days after cardio-specific gene deletion, with left ventricular SERCA2a abundance reduced by 54 ± 9% compared with SERCA2(flox/flox) controls (FF) (P < 0.05). Ca(2+) waves occurred in fewer KO than FF myocytes (40 vs. 68%, P < 0.05), whereas the addition of isoproterenol (ISO) induced waves in an equal percentage of myocytes (82 vs. 64%). SERCA2-dependent Ca(2+) reuptake was slower in KO (-ISO, KO vs. FF: 15.4 ± 1.2 vs. 21.1 ± 1.4 s(-1), P < 0.05), but equal during ISO (+ISO, KO vs. FF: 21.9 ± 3.3 vs. 27.7 ± 2.7 s(-1)). Threshold SR Ca(2+) content for wave development was lower in KO (-ISO, KO vs. FF: 126.6 ± 10.3 vs. 159.3 ± 7.1 µmol/L, P < 0.05) and was increased by ISO only in FF (+ISO, KO vs. FF: 131.7 ± 8.7 vs. 205.5 ± 20.4 µmol/L, P < 0.05). During ISO, Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII)-dependent phosphorylation of RyR in KO was 217 ± 21% of FF (P < 0.05), and SR Ca(2+) leak indicated higher RyR open probability in KO. CaMKII inhibition decreased Ca(2+) spark frequency in KO by 44% (P < 0.05) but not in FF. Mathematical modelling predicted that increased Ca(2+) sensitivity of RyR in KO could account for increased Ca(2+) wave probability during ISO. CONCLUSIONS: In ventricular cardiomyocytes with reduced SERCA2 abundance, Ca(2+) wave development following ß-adrenergic stimulation is potentiated. We suggest that this is caused by a CaMKII-dependent shift in the balance between SERCA2-dependent Ca(2+) reuptake and threshold SR Ca(2+) content.

Exercise training before cardiac-specific Serca2 disruption attenuates the decline in cardiac function in mice.

In the heart, function of the sarco(endo)plasmic Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2) is closely linked to contractility, cardiac function, and aerobic fitness. SERCA2 function can be increased by high-intensity interval training, whereas reduced SERCA2 abundance is associated with impaired cardiac function. The working hypothesis was, therefore, that exercise training before cardiomyocyte-specific disruption of the Serca2 gene would delay the onset of cardiac dysfunction in mice. Before Serca2 gene disruption by tamoxifen, untreated SERCA2 knockout mice (Serca2(flox/flox) Tg-αMHC-MerCreMer; S2KO), and SERCA2 FF control mice (Serca2(flox/flox), S2FF) were exercise trained by high-intensity interval treadmill running for 6 wk. Both genotypes responded to training, with comparable increases in maximal oxygen uptake (Vo(2max); 17%), left ventricle weight (15%), and maximal running speed (40%). After exercise training, cardiac-specific Serca2 gene disruption was induced in both exercise trained and sedentary S2KO mice. In trained S2KO, cardiac function decreased less rapidly than in sedentary S2KO. Vo(2max) remained higher in trained S2KO the first 15 days after gene disruption. Six weeks after Serca2 disruption, cardiac output was higher in trained compared with sedentary S2KO mice. An exercise-training program attenuates the decline in cardiac performance induced by acute cardiac Serca2 gene disruption, indicating that mechanisms other than SERCA2 contribute to the favorable effect of exercise training.

Circulating cytokine levels in mice with heart failure are etiology dependent.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine whether alterations in circulating cytokine levels are dependent on the etiology of myocardial hypertrophy and heart failure (HF). BACKGROUND: Several heart diseases are associated with altered levels of circulating cytokines. Cytokines are regarded as possible therapeutic targets or biomarkers, but such approaches are currently not in clinical use. If alterations in circulating cytokines are etiology dependent, this should be taken into consideration when using cytokines as disease markers and therapeutic targets. METHODS: The serum levels of 25 cytokines were quantified with Luminex and/or ELISA in four murine models of heart disease: banding of the ascending aorta (AB) or the pulmonary artery (PB), myocardial infarction (MI), and a cardiomyopathy model with inducible cardiomyocyte-specific knockout of the sarco(endo)plasmatic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2KO). RESULTS: No increase in circulating cytokine levels were found in mice 1 wk after AB, although substantial myocardial hypertrophy was present. After 1 wk of MI, only interleukin (IL)-18 was increased. In the SERCA2KO mice with HF, circulating levels of IL-1alpha, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12p40, eotaxin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), interferon-gamma, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta were increased, and in mice with PB, IL-1alpha, IL-6, G-CSF, and monokine induced by gamma-interferon showed elevated levels. CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of cytokines in mice with HF vary depending on the etiology. Increased serum levels of several cytokines were found in models with increased right ventricular afterload, suggesting that the cytokine responses result primarily from systemic congestion.

High-intensity exercise training in mice with cardiomyocyte-specific disruption of Serca2.

Several lines of evidence indicate that the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum ATPase type 2 (SERCA2) is essential for maintaining myocardial calcium handling and cardiac pump function. Hence, a reduction in SERCA2 abundance is expected to reduce work performance and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and to limit the response to exercise training. To test this hypothesis, we compared VO2max and exercise capacity in mice with cardiac disruption of Serca2 (SERCA2 KO) with control mice (SERCA2 FF). We also determined whether the effects on VO2max and exercise capacity could be modified by high-intensity aerobic exercise training. Treadmill running at 85-90% of VO2max started 2 wk after Serca2 gene disruption and continued for 4 wk. VO2max and maximal running speed were measured weekly in a metabolic chamber. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography during light anesthesia. In sedentary SERCA2 KO mice, the aerobic capacity was reduced by 50% and running speed by 28%, whereas trained SERCA2 KO mice were able to maintain maximal running speed despite a 36% decrease in VO2max. In SERCA2 FF mice, both VO2max and maximal running speed increased by training, while no changes occurred in the sedentary group. Left ventricle dimensions remained unchanged by training in both genotypes. In contrast, training induced right ventricle hypertrophy in SERCA2 KO mice. In conclusion, the SERCA2 protein is essential for sustaining cardiac pump function and exercise capacity. Nevertheless, SERCA2 KO mice were able to maintain maximal running speed in response to exercise training despite a large decrease in VO2max.

Alteration of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in primary cultured osteoclasts from SERCA2+/- mice.

RANKL is essential for the terminal differentiation of monocytes/macrophages into osteoclasts. RANKL induces long-lasting oscillations in the intracellular concentration of Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) only after 24 h of stimulation. These Ca(2+) oscillations play a switch-on role in NFATc1 expression and osteoclast differentiation. Which Ca(2+) transporting pathway is induced by RANKL to evoke the Ca(2+) oscillations and its specific role in RANKL-mediated osteoclast differentiation is not known. This study examined the effect of a partial loss of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase type 2 (SERCA2) on osteoclast differentiation in SERCA2 heterozygote mice (SERCA2(+/-)). The BMD in the tibias of SERCA2(+/-) mice increased >1.5-fold compared with wildtype mice (WT). RANKL-induced [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations were generated 48 h after RANKL treatment in the WT mice but not in the SERCA2(+/-) bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs). Forty-eight hours after RANKL treatment, there was a lower level of NFATc1 protein expression and markedly reduced translocation of NFATc1 into the nucleus during osteoclastogenesis of the SERCA2(+/-) BMMs. In addition, RANKL treatment of SERCA2(+/-) BMMs incompletely induced formation of multinucleated cells, leading to reduced bone resorption activity. These results suggest that RANKL-mediated induction of SERCA2 plays a critical role in the RANKL-induced [Ca(2+)](i) oscillations that are essential for osteoclastogenesis.

A defective SERCA1 protein is responsible for congenital pseudomyotonia in Chianina cattle.

Recently, a muscular disorder defined as "congenital pseudomyotonia" was described in Chianina cattle, one of the most important Italian cattle breeds for quality meat and leather. The clinical phenotype of this disease is characterized by an exercise-induced muscle contracture that prevents animals from performing muscular activities. On the basis of clinical symptoms, Chianina pseudomyotonia appeared related to human Brody's disease, a rare inherited disorder of skeletal muscle function that results from a sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA1) deficiency caused by a defect in the ATP2A1 gene that encodes SERCA1. SERCA1 is involved in transporting calcium from the cytosol to the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Recently, we identified the genetic defect underlying Chianina cattle pseudomyotonia. A missense mutation in exon 6 of the ATP2A1 gene, leading to an R164H substitution in the SERCA1 protein, was found. In this study, we provide biochemical evidence for a selective deficiency in SERCA1 protein levels in sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes from affected muscles, although mRNA levels are unaffected. The reduction of SERCA1 levels accounts for the reduced Ca(2+)-ATPase activity without any significant change in Ca(2+)-dependency. The loss of SERCA1 is not compensated for by the expression of the SERCA2 isoform. We believe that Chianina cattle pseudomyotonia might, therefore, be the true counterpart of human Brody's disease, and that bovine species might be used as a suitable animal model.