Phosphorylation in skeletal myosin light chain modulates the actin-myosin interaction in the presence of regulatory proteins in vitro

Differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells, which is critical to successful pregnancy, represents a complex transformation requiring changes in cytoskeletal architecture. We demonstrate that in vitro differentiation of human uterine fibroblasts into decidual cells includes down-regulation of α-smooth muscle actin and β-tubulin, phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase, and redistribution of vinculin. This is accompanied by varied adhesion to fibronectin and a modified ability to migrate. Cytoskeletal organization is determined primarily by actin-myosin II interactions governed by the phosphorylation of myosin light chain (MLC20). Decidualization induced by cAMP [with estradiol-17β (E) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (P)] results in a 40% decrease in MLC20 phosphorylation and a 55% decline in the long (214 kDa) form of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK). Destabilization of the cytoskeleton by inhibitors of MLCK (ML-7) or myosin II ATPase (blebbistatin) accelerates decidualization induced by cAMP (with E and P) but inhibits decidualization induced by IL-1β (with E and P). Adenoviral infection of human uterine fibroblast cells with a constitutively active form of MLCK followed by decidualization stimuli leads to a 30% increase in MLC20 phosphorylation and prevents decidualization. These data provide evidence that the regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics by MLC20 phosphorylation is critical for decidualization.

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The force dependence of isometric and concentric potentiation in mouse muscle with and without skeletal myosin light chain kinase

Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1139/cjpp-2014-0118 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 93 (1) ◽

pp. 23-32 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

William Gittings ◽

Harish Aggarwal ◽

James T. Stull ◽

Rene Vandenboom

Keyword(s):

Light Chain ◽

Myosin Light Chain Kinase ◽

Myosin Light Chain ◽

Isometric Force ◽

Conditioning Stimulus ◽

Mouse Muscle ◽

Tetanic Force ◽

Concentric Force ◽

Skeletal Myosin ◽

Contraction Type

The isometric potentiation associated with myosin phosphorylation is force dependent. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of a pre-existing period of isometric force on the concentric force potentiation displayed by mouse muscles with and without the ability to phosphorylate myosin. We tested isometric (ISO) and concentric (CON) potentiation, as well as concentric potentiation after isometric force (ISO-CON), in muscles from wild-type (WT) and skeletal myosin light chain kinase-deficient (skMLCK−/−) mice. A conditioning stimulus increased (i.e., potentiated) mean concentric force in the ISO-CON and CON conditions to 1.31 ± 0.02 and 1.35 ± 0.02 (WT) and to 1.19 ± 0.02 and 1.21 ± 0.01 (skMLCK−/−) of prestimulus levels, respectively (data n = 6–8, p < 0.05). No potentiation of mean isometric force was observed in either genotype. The potentiation of mean concentric force was inversely related to relative tetanic force level (P/Po) in both genotypes. Moreover, concentric potentiation varied greatly within each contraction type and was negatively correlated with unpotentiated force in both genotypes. Thus, although no effect of pre-existing force was observed, strong and inverse relationships between concentric force potentiation and unpotentiated concentric force may suggest an influence of attached and force-generating crossbridges on potentiation magnitude in both WT and skMLCK−/− muscles.

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Abstract P780: Myosin Light Chain Dephosphorylation by Ppp1r12c Promotes Atrial Hypocontractility in Atrial Fibrillation

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p780 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Francisco J Gonzalez-Gonzalez ◽

Perike Srikanth ◽

Andrielle E Capote ◽

Alsina Katherina M ◽

Benjamin Levin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Light Chain ◽

Myosin Light Chain ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Contractile Function ◽

Right Atrial ◽

Western Blots

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with an estimated prevalence in the U.S.of 6.1 million. AF increases the risk of a thromboembolic stroke in five-fold. Although atrial hypocontractility contributes to stroke risk in AF, the molecular mechanisms reducing myofilament contractile function in AF remains unknown. We have recently identified protein phosphatase 1 subunit 12c (PPP1R12C) as a key molecule targeting myosin light-chain phosphorylation in AF. Objective: We hypothesize that the overexpression of PPP1R12C causes hypophosphorylation of atrial myosin light-chain 2 (MLC2a), thereby decreasing atrial contractility in AF. Methods and Results: Left and right atrial appendage tissues were isolated from AF patients versus sinus rhythm (SR). To evaluate the role of the PP1c-PPP1R12C interaction in MLC2a de-phosphorylation, we utilized Western blots, co-immunoprecipitation, and phosphorylation assays. In patients with AF, PPP1R12C expression was increased 3.5-fold versus SR controls with an 88% reduction in MLC2a phosphorylation. PPP1R12C-PP1c binding and PPP1R12C-MLC2a binding were significantly increased in AF. In vitro studies of either pharmacologic (BDP5290) or genetic (T560A), PPP1R12C activation demonstrated increased PPP1R12C binding with both PP1c and MLC2a, and dephosphorylation of MLC2a. Additionally, to evaluate the role of PPP1R12C expression in cardiac function, mice with lentiviral cardiac-specific overexpression of PPP1R12C (Lenti-12C) were evaluated for atrial contractility using echocardiography, versus wild-type and Lenti-controls. Lenti-12C mice demonstrated a 150% increase in left atrium size versus controls, with reduced atrial strain and atrial ejection fraction. Also, programmed electrical stimulation was performed to evaluate AF inducibility in vivo. Pacing-induced AF in Lenti-12C mice was significantly higher than controls. Conclusion: The overexpression of PPP1R12C increases PP1c targeting to MLC2a and provokes dephosphorylation, associated with a reduction in atrial contractility and an increase in AF inducibility. All these discoveries suggest that PP1 regulation of sarcomere function at MLC2a is a main regulator of atrial contractility in AF.

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Abstract 70: Protein Phosphatase 1 Contributes to Atrial Stunning in Atrial Fibrillation

Circulation Research ◽

10.1161/res.121.suppl_1.70 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 121 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Srikanth Perike ◽

Xander Wehrens ◽

Dawood Darbar ◽

Mark McCauley

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Light Chain ◽

Protein Phosphatase ◽

Myosin Light Chain ◽

Stroke Risk ◽

Protein Phosphatase 1 ◽

Regulatory Subunit ◽

Future Studies ◽

Hek Cells

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, and increases a patient’s stroke risk five-fold. Reduced atrial contractility (stunning) is observed in AF and contributes to stroke risk; however, the mechanisms responsible for atrial stunning in AF are unknown. Recent data from our laboratory indicate that protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) dephosphorylation of myosin light chain 2a (MLC2a) may contribute to atrial stunning in AF. Objective: To determine how the PP1 regulatory subunit 12C (PPP1R12C) and catalytic (PPP1c) subunits modify atrial sarcomere phosphorylation in AF. Methods: We evaluated the protein expression, binding and phosphorylation among PPP1R12C, PPP1c, and MLC2a in transfected HL-1 cells, murine atrial tissue (Pitx2null +/– mice, with a genetic predisposition AF), and in HEK cells. An inhibitor of PPP1R12C phosphorylation, BDP5290, was used to enhance the PPP1R12C-PPP1C interaction. Results: In Pitx2 null +/– mice, PPP1R12C was increased by 2-fold ( P <0.01) and associated with a 40% reduction in S-19-MLC2a phosphorylation versus WT mice ( P <0.058). BDP5290 increased PPP1R12C-PPP1C binding by >3-fold in HL-1 cells ( P <0.01). BDP5290 reduced MLC2a phosphorylation by 40% through an enhanced interaction with PPP1R12C by >3-fold in HEK cells ( P <0.01). Conclusion: In Pitx2 null+/- mice, increased expression of PPP1R12C is associated with PP1 holoenzyme targeting to sarcomeric MLC2a, and is associated with reduced S19-MLC2a phosphorylation. Additionally, BDP5290 enhances the PPP1R12C-PPP1C interaction and models PP1 activity in AF. Future studies will examine the effects of both AF and BDP5290 upon atrial contractility in vitro.

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Abstract P458: Myosin Light Chain Dephosphorylation By Ppp1r12c Promotes Atrial Hypocontractility In Atrial Fibrillation

Circulation Research ◽

10.1161/res.129.suppl_1.p458 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 129 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Francisco J Gonzalez-Gonzalez ◽

Srikanth Perike ◽

Frederick Damen ◽

Andrielle Capote ◽

Katherina M Alsina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Light Chain ◽

Myosin Light Chain ◽

Molecular Mechanisms ◽

Contractile Function ◽

Right Atrial ◽

Western Blots

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF), is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with an estimated prevalence in the U.S. of 2.7 million to 6.1 million and is predictive to increase to 12.1 million in 2030. AF increases the chances of a thromboembolic stroke in five-fold. Although atrial hypocontractility contributes to stroke risk in AF, the molecular mechanisms reducing myofilament contractile function in AF remains unknown. Objective: The overexpression of PPP1R12C, causes hypophosphorylation of atrial myosin light chain 2 (MLC2a), decreasing atrial contractility. Methods and Results: Left and right atrial appendage tissues were isolated from AF patients versus sinus rhythm (SR). To evaluated the role of PP1c-PPP1R12C interaction in MLC2a de-phosphorylation we used Western blots, coimmunoprecipitation, and phosphorylation assays. In patients with AF, PPP1R12C expression was increased 3.5-fold versus SR controls with an 88% reduction in MLC2a phosphorylation. PPP1R12C-PP1c binding and PPP1R12C-MLC2a binding were significantly increased in AF. In vitro studies of either pharmacologic (BDP5290) or genetic (T560A) PPP1R12C activation demonstrated increased PPP1R12C binding with both PP1c and MLC2a, and dephosphorylation of MLC2a. Additionally, to evaluate the role of PPP1R12C expression in cardiac function, mice with lentiviral cardiac-specific overexpression of PPP1R12C (Lenti-12C) were evaluated for atrial contractility using echocardiography, versus wild-type and Lenti-controls. Lenti-12C mice demonstrated a 150% increase in left atrium size versus controls, with reduced atrial strain and atrial ejection fraction. Also, programmed electrical stimulation was performed to evaluate AF inducibility in vivo. Pacing-induced AF in Lenti-12C mice was significantly higher than controls. Conclusion: The Overexpression of PPP1R12C increases PP1c targeting to MLC2a and provokes dephosphorylation, that cause a reduction in atrial contractility and increases AF inducibility. All these discoveries advocate that PP1 regulation of sarcomere function at MLC2a is a main regulator of atrial contractility in AF.

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Myosin light-chain 1 and 3 gene has two structurally distinct and differentially regulated promoters evolving at different rates

Molecular and Cellular Biology ◽

10.1128/mcb.5.11.3168-3182.1985 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 5 (11) ◽

pp. 3168-3182

Author(s):

E E Strehler ◽

M Periasamy ◽

M A Strehler-Page ◽

B Nadal-Ginard

Keyword(s):

Light Chain ◽

Myosin Light Chain ◽

Mammalian Species ◽

In Vitro Transcription ◽

Chain Gene ◽

Promoter Regions ◽

Light Chain Gene ◽

Direct Initiation

DNA fragments located 10 kilobases apart in the genome and containing, respectively, the first myosin light chain 1 (MLC1f) and the first myosin light chain 3 (MLC3f) specific exon of the rat myosin light chain 1 and 3 gene, together with several hundred base pairs of upstream flanking sequences, have been shown in runoff in vitro transcription assays to direct initiation of transcription at the cap sites of MLC1f and MLC3f mRNAs used in vivo. These results establish the presence of two separate, functional promoters within that gene. A comparison of the nucleotide sequence of the rat MLC1f/3f gene with the corresponding sequences from mouse and chicken shows that: the MLC1f promoter regions have been highly conserved up to position -150 from the cap site while the MLC3f promoter regions display a very poor degree of homology and even the absence or poor conservation of typical eucaryotic promoter elements such as TATA and CAT boxes; the exon/intron structure of this gene has been completely conserved in the three species; and corresponding exons, except for the regions encoding most of the 5' and 3' untranslated sequences, show greater than 75% homology while corresponding introns are similar in size but considerably divergent in sequence. The above findings indicate that the overall structure of the MLC1f/3f genes has been maintained between avian and mammalian species and that these genes contain two functional and widely spaced promoters. The fact that the structures of the alkali light chain gene from Drosophila melanogaster and of other related genes of the troponin C supergene family resemble a MLC3f gene without an upstream promoter and first exon strongly suggests that the present-day MLC1f/3f genes of higher vertebrates arose from a primordial alkali light chain gene through the addition of a far-upstream MLC1f-specific promoter and first exon. The two promoters have evolved at different rates, with the MLC1f promoter being more conserved than the MLC3f promoter. This discrepant evolutionary rate might reflect different mechanisms of promoter activation for the transcription of MLC1f and MLC3f RNA.

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