Calmodulin and the philosopher's stone: Changing Ca2+ into arrhythmias

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2002 Feb;13(2):195-7. doi: 10.1046/j.1540-8167.2002.00195.x.

Abstract

Calmodulin and the Philosopher's Stone. It has been recognized for some time that intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) can contribute to the genesis of cardiac arrhythmias, but understanding of the molecular signaling machinery that links disordered [Ca2+]i to arrhythmias has been lacking. Exciting recent work has focused on the ubiquitous intracellular Ca2+-binding protein calmodulin. Calmodulin is a molecular sensor that can translate increases in [Ca2+]i into modulatory signals for ion channels and activate other Ca2+-dependent signaling molecules. This article will examine the implications of these recent findings for arrhythmogenesis and the development of new antiarrhythmic therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / etiology*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / metabolism
  • Calcium / metabolism*
  • Calcium Channels / physiology
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Calmodulin / metabolism*
  • Enzyme Activation
  • Ion Transport
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

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