Calcium Channel Mutations in Cardiac Arrhythmia Syndromes

Curr Mol Pharmacol. 2015;8(2):133-42. doi: 10.2174/1874467208666150518114857.

Abstract

Voltage gated calcium channels are essential for cardiac physiology by serving as sarcolemma- restricted gatekeepers for calcium in cardiac myocytes. Activation of the L-type voltagegated calcium channel provides the calcium entry required for excitation-contraction coupling and contributes to the plateau phase of the cardiac action potential. Given these critical physiological roles, subtle disturbances in L-type channel function can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Indeed, numerous human arrhythmia syndromes have been linked to mutations in the L-type channel leading to gain-of-function or loss-of-function mutations. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding these mutations present in Timothy Syndrome, Long and Short QT Syndromes, Brugada Syndrome and Early Repolarization Syndrome. We discuss the pathological consequences of the mutations, the biophysical effects of the mutations on the channel as well as possible therapeutic considerations and challenges for future studies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / genetics*
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / metabolism
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
  • Autistic Disorder / genetics
  • Autistic Disorder / metabolism
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology
  • Brugada Syndrome / genetics
  • Brugada Syndrome / metabolism
  • Brugada Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type / genetics*
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type / physiology
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Long QT Syndrome / genetics
  • Long QT Syndrome / metabolism
  • Long QT Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Models, Genetic
  • Mutation*
  • Syndactyly / genetics
  • Syndactyly / metabolism
  • Syndactyly / physiopathology

Substances

  • Calcium Channels, L-Type
  • Calcium

Supplementary concepts

  • Timothy syndrome