Ca2+ release via InsP3Rs enhances RyR recruitment during Ca2+ transients by increasing dyadic [Ca2+] in cardiomyocytes

Abstract

Excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) relies on temporally synchronized sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ release via ryanodine receptors (RyRs) at dyadic membrane compartments. Neurohormones, such as endothelin-1 (ET-1), that act via Gαq-coupled G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) modulate Ca2+ dynamics during ECC and induce SR Ca2+ release events involving Ca2+ release via inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP3) receptors (InsP3Rs). How the relatively modest Ca2+ release via InsP3Rs elicits this action is not resolved. Here we investigated whether the actions of InsP3Rs on Ca2+ handling during ECC were mediated by a direct influence on dyadic Ca2+ levels and whether this mechanism contributes to the effects of ET-1. Using a dyad-targeted genetically encoded Ca2+ reporter, we found that InsP3R activation augmented dyadic Ca2+ fluxes during Ca2+ transients and increased Ca2+ sparks. RyRs were required for these effects. These data provide the first direct demonstration of GPCR/InsP3 effects on dyadic Ca2+ and support the notion that Ca2+ release via InsP3Rs influences Ca2+ transients during ECC by facilitating the activation and recruitment of proximal RyRs. We propose that this mechanism contributes to neurohormonal modulation of cardiac function.