Glutathionylation of the L-type Ca2+ channel in oxidative stress-induced pathology of the heart

Int J Mol Sci. 2014 Oct 22;15(10):19203-25. doi: 10.3390/ijms151019203.

Abstract

There is mounting evidence to suggest that protein glutathionylation is a key process contributing to the development of pathology. Glutathionylation occurs as a result of posttranslational modification of a protein and involves the addition of a glutathione moiety at cysteine residues. Such modification can occur on a number of proteins, and exerts a variety of functional consequences. The L-type Ca2+ channel has been identified as a glutathionylation target that participates in the development of cardiac pathology. Ca2+ influx via the L-type Ca2+ channel increases production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes during periods of oxidative stress. This induces a persistent increase in channel open probability, and the resulting constitutive increase in Ca2+ influx amplifies the cross-talk between the mitochondria and the channel. Novel strategies utilising targeted peptide delivery to uncouple mitochondrial ROS and Ca2+ flux via the L-type Ca2+ channel following ischemia-reperfusion have delivered promising results, and have proven capable of restoring appropriate mitochondrial function in myocytes and in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium Channels, L-Type / metabolism*
  • Glutathione / metabolism*
  • Heart / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Mitochondria, Heart / metabolism
  • Mitochondria, Heart / pathology
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / metabolism
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / pathology*
  • Oxidative Stress / physiology*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Calcium Channels, L-Type
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Glutathione