Phospho-GlcNAc modulation of slow MLC2 during soleus atrophy through a multienzymatic and sarcomeric complex

Pflugers Arch. 2014 Nov;466(11):2139-51. doi: 10.1007/s00424-014-1453-y. Epub 2014 Jan 30.

Abstract

Although calcium is the major regulator of excitation-contraction coupling, myofilament function can also be modulated through post-translational modifications. In particular, phosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation are key modulators of calcium activation parameters. Among the regulatory proteins of skeletal muscle contraction, the myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) can undergo both types of post-translational modification. During aging or physical inactivity, the phosphorylation status of the slow isoform of MLC2 (sMLC2) does not correlate with calcium sensitivity, suggesting that the O-GlcNAcylation might modulate sMLC2 activity. To increase understanding of the contractile dysfunction associated with muscle atrophy, we studied the phosphorylation/O-GlcNAcylation interplay on the sMLC2. We demonstrate a two-fold decrease of O-GlcNAcylation level on sMLC2 in a rat model of skeletal muscle atrophy (hindlimb unloading), while phosphorylation increased. Both post-translational modifications were mutually exclusive. Their interplay reversed during reloading. The expression of enzymes involved in the phosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation interplay on sMLC2 was modified on whole protein pattern as well as on myofilament, and was load-dependent. All enzymes were colocalized on the contractile apparatus. Finally, we describe a multienzymatic complex which might finely modulate the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation and O-GlcNAcylation/de-O-GlcNAcylation of sMLC2 that could be involved in the contractile dysfunction of atrophied muscle. Importantly, this complex was localized at the Z-disk, a nodal point of signalling in skeletal muscle.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cardiac Myosins / metabolism*
  • Glycosylation
  • Hindlimb Suspension / physiology
  • Male
  • Muscle Contraction / physiology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology*
  • Muscular Atrophy / metabolism*
  • Muscular Atrophy / pathology*
  • Myosin Light Chains / metabolism*
  • Phosphorylation / physiology*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational / physiology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar

Substances

  • Myosin Light Chains
  • myosin light chain 2
  • Cardiac Myosins