Calcium transient in cardiomyocytes is regulated by multiple protein kinases and phosphatases. PP2A is a major protein phosphatase in the heart modulating Ca(2+) handling through an array of ion channels, antiporters and pumps, etc. The assembly, localization/translocation, and substrate specificity of PP2A are controlled by different post-translational mechanisms, which in turn are linked to the activities of upstream signaling molecules. Abnormal PP2A expression and activities are associated with defective response to β-adrenergic stimulation and are indication and causal factors in arrhythmia and heart failure.
Keywords: FTY720; arrhythmia; calcium handling; heart failure; ion channels; phosphatase.