Differential effect of calsequestrin ablation on structure and function of fast and slow skeletal muscle fibers

J Biomed Biotechnol. 2011:2011:634075. doi: 10.1155/2011/634075. Epub 2011 Sep 14.

Abstract

We compared structure and function of EDL and Soleus muscles in adult (4-6 m) mice lacking both Calsequestrin (CASQ) isoforms, the main SR Ca²⁺-binding proteins. Lack of CASQ induced ultrastructural alterations in ~30% of Soleus fibers, but not in EDL. Twitch time parameters were prolonged in both muscles, although tension was not reduced. However, when stimulated for 2 sec at 100 hz, Soleus was able to sustain contraction, while in EDL active tension declined by 70-80%. The results presented in this paper unmask a differential effect of CASQ1&2 ablation in fast versus slow fibers. CASQ is essential in EDL to provide large amount of Ca²⁺ released from the SR during tetanic stimulation. In contrast, Soleus deals much better with lack of CASQ because slow fibers require lower Ca²⁺ amounts and slower cycling to function properly. Nevertheless, Soleus suffers more severe structural damage, possibly because SR Ca²⁺ leak is more pronounced.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Body Weight
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / deficiency*
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Calcium-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Calsequestrin / deficiency*
  • Calsequestrin / genetics
  • Calsequestrin / metabolism
  • Female
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Muscle Contraction
  • Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch / chemistry
  • Muscle Fibers, Fast-Twitch / physiology*
  • Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch / chemistry
  • Muscle Fibers, Slow-Twitch / physiology*
  • Muscle Strength
  • Muscle Tonus
  • Protein Isoforms

Substances

  • Calcium-Binding Proteins
  • Calsequestrin
  • Casq1 protein, mouse
  • Protein Isoforms
  • casq2 protein, mouse