Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uniporter–Dependent Energetic Dysfunction Drives Hypertrophy in Heart Failure

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jacbts.2024.01.007
• Publication Date: 2024-04-22T19:03:30Z
• Authors: Hugo Alves-Figuei...; Christian Silva-P...; Manuel Estrada; Yuriana Oropeza-A...; Martin Ramos-Gonz...; Judith Bernal-Ram...; Eduardo Vázquez-G...; Armando Tellez; Felipe Salazar-Ra...; Abraham Méndez-Fe...; José Luis Galaz; Pedro Lobos; Keith Youker; Omar Lozano; Guillermo Torre-A...; Gerardo García-Rivas

The role of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) in energy dysfunction and hypertrophy in heart failure (HF) remains unknown. In angiotensin II (ANGII)-induced hypertrophic cardiac cells we have shown that hypertrophic cells overexpress MCU and present bioenergetic dysfunction. However, by silencing MCU, cell hypertrophy and mitochondrial dysfunction are prevented by blocking mitochondrial calcium overload, increase mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, and activation of nuclear factor kappa B-dependent hypertrophic and proinflammatory signaling. Moreover, we identified a calcium/calmodulin-independent protein kinase II/cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein signaling modulating MCU upregulation by ANGII. Additionally, we found upregulation of MCU in ANGII-induced left ventricular HF in mice, and in the LV of HF patients, which was correlated with pathological remodeling. Following left ventricular assist device implantation, MCU expression decreased, suggesting tissue plasticity to modulate MCU expression.