Abstract
Rationale: The intercalated disc (ID) is a highly specialized cell-cell contact structure that ensures mechanical and electric coupling of contracting cardiomyocytes. Recently, the ID has been recognized to be a hot spot of cardiac disease, in particular inherited cardiomyopathy. Objective: Given its complex structure and function we hypothesized that important molecular constituents of the ID still remain unknown. Methods and Results: Using a bioinformatics screen, we discovered and cloned a previously uncharacterized 54 kDa cardiac protein which we termed Myozap (Myocardium-enriched zonula occludens-1-associated protein). Myozap is strongly expressed in the heart and lung. In cardiac tissue it localized to the ID and directly binds to desmoplakin and zonula occludens-1. In a yeast 2-hybrid screen for additional binding partners of Myozap we identified myosin phosphatase-RhoA interacting protein (MRIP), a negative regulator of Rho activity. Myozap, in turn, strongly activates SRF-dependent transcription through its ERM (Ezrin/radixin/moesin)-like domain in a Rho-dependent fashion. Finally, in vivo knockdown of the Myozap ortholog in zebrafish led to severe contractile dysfunction and cardiomyopathy. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings reveal Myozap as a previously unrecognized component of a Rho-dependent signaling pathway that links the intercalated disc to cardiac gene regulation. Moreover, its subcellular localization and the observation of a severe cardiac phenotype in zebrafish, implicate Myozap in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 880-890 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Circulation research |
Volume | 106 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 19 2010 |
Keywords
- Cardiac
- Cardiomyopathies
- Myocytes
- Serum response factor
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine