Project description:AimsThe aim of this study was to use human genetics to investigate the pathogenesis of sick sinus syndrome (SSS) and the role of risk factors in its development.Methods and resultsWe performed a genome-wide association study of 6469 SSS cases and 1 000 187 controls from deCODE genetics, the Copenhagen Hospital Biobank, UK Biobank, and the HUNT study. Variants at six loci associated with SSS, a reported missense variant in MYH6, known atrial fibrillation (AF)/electrocardiogram variants at PITX2, ZFHX3, TTN/CCDC141, and SCN10A and a low-frequency (MAF = 1.1-1.8%) missense variant, p.Gly62Cys in KRT8 encoding the intermediate filament protein keratin 8. A full genotypic model best described the p.Gly62Cys association (P = 1.6 × 10-20), with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.44 for heterozygotes and a disproportionally large OR of 13.99 for homozygotes. All the SSS variants increased the risk of pacemaker implantation. Their association with AF varied and p.Gly62Cys was the only variant not associating with any other arrhythmia or cardiovascular disease. We tested 17 exposure phenotypes in polygenic score (PGS) and Mendelian randomization analyses. Only two associated with the risk of SSS in Mendelian randomization, AF, and lower heart rate, suggesting causality. Powerful PGS analyses provided convincing evidence against causal associations for body mass index, cholesterol, triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes (P > 0.05).ConclusionWe report the associations of variants at six loci with SSS, including a missense variant in KRT8 that confers high risk in homozygotes and points to a mechanism specific to SSS development. Mendelian randomization supports a causal role for AF in the development of SSS.
Project description:Because of its powerful genetics, the adult zebrafish has been increasingly used for studying cardiovascular diseases. Considering its heart rate of ~100 beats per minute at ambient temperature, which is very close to human, we assessed the use of this vertebrate animal for modeling heart rhythm disorders such as sinus arrest (SA) and sick sinus syndrome (SSS). We firstly optimized a protocol to measure electrocardiogram in adult zebrafish. We determined the location of the probes, implemented an open-chest microsurgery procedure, measured the effects of temperature, and determined appropriate anesthesia dose and time. We then proposed an PP interval of more than 1.5 seconds as an arbitrary criterion to define an SA episode in an adult fish at ambient temperature, based on comparison between the current definition of an SA episode in humans and our studies of candidate SA episodes in aged wild-type fish and Tg(SCN5A-D1275N) fish (a fish model for inherited SSS). With this criterion, a subpopulation of about 5% wild-type fish can be considered to have SA episodes, and this percentage significantly increases to about 25% in 3-year-old fish. In response to atropine, this subpopulation has both common SSS phenotypic traits that are shared with the Tg(SCN5A-D1275N) model, such as bradycardia; and unique SSS phenotypic traits, such as increased QRS/P ratio and chronotropic incompetence. In summary, this study defined baseline SA and SSS in adult zebrafish and underscored use of the zebrafish as an alternative model to study aging-associated SSS.
Project description:Background and objectivesDue to recent studies that have shown an association between the genetic variation of SCN5A and sick sinus syndrome (SSS), we sought to determine if a similar correlation existed in Korean patients with SSS.Subjects and methodsWe enrolled 30 patients with SSS who showed a sinus pause (longer than 3.0 s) in Holter monitoring, in addition to 80 controls. All exons including the putative splicing sites of the SCN5A gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced either directly or following subcloning. Wild-type and single nucleotide polymorphisms were expressed in human embryonic kidney cells, and the peak sodium current (INa ) was analyzed using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique.ResultsA total of 9 genetic variations were identified: 7 variations (G87A-A29A, IVS9-3C>A, A1673G-H558R, G3823A-D1275N, T5457C-D1819D, T5963G-L1988R, and C5129T-S1710L) had been previously reported, and 2 variants (A3075T-E1025D and T4847A-F1616Y) were novel; the potential structural effects of F1616Y were analyzed in a three-dimensional model of the SCN5A domain. Patch-clamp studies at room temperature demonstrated that the peak INa was significantly increased by 140% in HEK cells transfected with F1616Y compared with wild-type (-335.13 pA/pF±24.04, n=8 vs. -139.95 pA/pF±23.76, n=7, respectively). Furthermore, the voltage dependency of the activation and steady-state inactivation of F1616Y were leftward-shifted compared with wild-type (Vh activation=-55.36 mv±0.22, n=8 vs. Vh activation=-44.21 mV±0.17, n=7; respectively; Vh inactivation=-104.47 mV±0.21, n=7 vs. Vh inactivation=-84.89 mV±0.09, n=12, respectively).ConclusionF1616Y may be associated with SSS.
Project description:We are reporting RNA-seq data from doxycycline induced myocyte specific Notch signaling (iNICD) in adult right atrium compared to littermate controls.
Project description:BACKGROUND:Little is known about the incidence of and risk factors for sick sinus syndrome (SSS), a common indication for pacemaker implantation. OBJECTIVES:This study sought to describe the epidemiology of SSS. METHODS:This analysis included 20,572 participants (mean baseline age 59 years, 43% male) in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk In Communities) study and the CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study), who at baseline were free of prevalent atrial fibrillation and pacemaker therapy, had a heart rate of ? 50 beats/min unless using beta blockers, and were identified as of white or black race. Incident SSS cases were identified by hospital discharge International Classification of Disease-revision 9-Clinical Modification code 427.81 and validated by medical record review. RESULTS:During an average 17 years of follow-up, 291 incident SSS cases were identified (unadjusted rate 0.8 per 1,000 person-years). Incidence increased with age (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.47 to 2.05 per 5-year increment), and blacks had a 41% lower risk of SSS than whites (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.37 to 0.98). Incident SSS was associated with greater baseline body mass index, height, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and cystatin C, with longer QRS interval, with lower heart rate, and with prevalent hypertension, right bundle branch block, and cardiovascular disease. We project that the annual number of new SSS cases in the United States will increase from 78,000 in 2012 to 172,000 in 2060. CONCLUSIONS:Blacks have a lower risk of SSS than whites, and several cardiovascular risk factors were associated with incident SSS. With the aging of the population, the number of Americans with SSS will increase dramatically over the next 50 years.
Project description:BackgroundTo identify molecular mechanisms underlying SCN5A-related sick sinus syndrome (SSS), a rare type of SSS, in parallel experiments we elucidated the electrophysiological properties and the cell surface localization of thirteen human Na(v)1.5 (hNa(v)1.5) mutant channels previously linked to this disease.Methodology/principal findingsMutant hNa(v)1.5 channels expressed by HEK293 cells and Xenopus oocytes were investigated by whole-cell patch clamp and two-microelectrode voltage clamp, respectively. HEK293 cell surface biotinylation experiments quantified the fraction of correctly targeted channel proteins. Our data suggested three distinct mutant channel subtypes: Group 1 mutants (L212P, P1298L, DelF1617, R1632H) gave peak current densities and cell surface targeting indistinguishable from wild-type hNa(v)1.5. Loss-of-function of these mutants resulted from altered channel kinetics, including a negative shift of steady-state inactivation and a reduced voltage dependency of open-state inactivation. Group 2 mutants (E161K, T220I, D1275N) gave significantly reduced whole-cell currents due to impaired cell surface localization (D1275N), altered channel properties at unchanged cell surface localization (T220I), or a combination of both (E161K). Group 3 mutant channels were non-functional, due to an almost complete lack of protein at the plasma membrane (T187I, W1421X, K1578fs/52, R1623X) or a probable gating/permeation defect with normal surface localisation (R878C, G1408R).Conclusions/significanceThis study indicates that multiple molecular mechanisms, including gating abnormalities, trafficking defects, or a combination of both, are responsible for SCN5A-related familial SSS.
Project description:Loss-of-function mutations in Na(v)1.5 cause sodium channelopathies, including Brugada syndrome, dilated cardiomyopathy, and sick sinus syndrome; however, no effective therapy exists. MOG1 increases plasma membrane (PM) expression of Na(v)1.5 and sodium current (I(Na)) density, thus we hypothesize that MOG1 can serve as a therapeutic target for sodium channelopathies.Knockdown of MOG1 expression using small interfering RNAs reduced Na(v)1.5 PM expression, decreased I(Na) densities by 2-fold in HEK/Na(v)1.5 cells and nearly abolished I(Na) in mouse cardiomyocytes. MOG1 did not affect Na(v)1.5 PM turnover. MOG1 small interfering RNAs caused retention of Na(v)1.5 in endoplasmic reticulum, disrupted the distribution of Na(v)1.5 into caveolin-3-enriched microdomains, and led to redistribution of Na(v)1.5 to noncaveolin-rich domains. MOG1 fully rescued the reduced PM expression and I(Na) densities by Na(v)1.5 trafficking-defective mutation D1275N associated with sick sinus syndrome/dilated cardiomyopathy/atrial arrhythmias. For Brugada syndrome mutation G1743R, MOG1 restored the impaired PM expression of the mutant protein and restored I(Na) in a heterozygous state (mixture of wild type and mutant Na(v)1.5) to a full level of a homozygous wild-type state.Use of MOG1 to enhance Na(v)1.5 trafficking to PM may be a potential personalized therapeutic approach for some patients with Brugada syndrome, dilated cardiomyopathy, and sick sinus syndrome in the future.
Project description:Through complementary application of SNP genotyping, whole-genome sequencing and imputation in 38,384 Icelanders, we have discovered a previously unidentified sick sinus syndrome susceptibility gene, MYH6, encoding the alpha heavy chain subunit of cardiac myosin. A missense variant in this gene, c.2161C>T, results in the conceptual amino acid substitution p.Arg721Trp, has an allelic frequency of 0.38% in Icelanders and associates with sick sinus syndrome with an odds ratio = 12.53 and P = 1.5 × 10?²?. We show that the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with sick sinus syndrome is around 6% for non-carriers of c.2161C>T but is approximately 50% for carriers of the c.2161C>T variant.
Project description:BackgroundCOVID-19 infection is the most serious global public health crisis of the century. With no approved treatments against it, investigational treatments are being used despite limited safety data. Besides being at higher risk of complications of COVID-19 infection, patients with underlying cardiovascular disease are more likely to develop cardiac-related side effects of treatment. We present a case of sinus arrest with junctional escape related to lopinavir-ritonavir.Case summaryA 67-year-old man, with underlying stable ischaemic heart disease, acquired COVID-19 infection. He had a prolonged duration of fever and cough. He subsequently developed acute respiratory distress and required intensive care unit (ICU) care. Given his severe infection, he was started on lopinavir-ritonavir. Hydroxychloroquine was not used as he had a prolonged QTc interval. During observation in the ICU, the patient developed recurrent episodes of sinus arrest with junctional escape. Initial concerns were of myocarditis, but he had no ST-segment changes on ECG, with mild elevations of highly sensitive troponin I and a normal transthoracic echocardiogram. A multidisciplinary team discussion involving the intensivist, infectious disease physicians, and cardiologist; the decision was made to stop treatment with lopinavir-ritonavir. Within 48 h, the bradyarrhythmia resolved. The patient did not require transvenous and permanent pacemaker insertion.ConclusionCurrent efficacy and safety evidence of lopinavir-ritonavir as a treatment in COVID-19 patients is limited. Although uncommonly reported, those with underlying cardiovascular disease are at increased risk of bradyarrhythmia-related adverse effects of lopinavir-ritonavir. When initiating investigational therapies, especially in patients with cardiovascular conditions, adequate counselling and close monitoring are required.
Project description:Sick sinus syndrome (SSS) is a sinus node dysfunction characterized by severe sinus bradycardia. SSS results in insufficient blood supply to the brain, heart, kidneys, and other organs and is associated with the increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Bradyarrhythmia appears in the absence of any associated cardiac pathology and displays a genetic legacy. The present study identified a family with primary manifestation of sinus bradycardia (five individuals) along with early repolarization (four individuals) and atrial fibrillation (one individual). Targeted exome sequencing was used to screen exons and adjacent splice sites of 61 inherited arrhythmia?associated genes, to detect pathogenic genes and variant sites in the proband. Family members were sequenced by Sanger sequencing and protein functions predicted by Polyphen?2 software. A total of three rare variants were identified in the family, including two missense variants in calcium voltage?gated channel subunit alpha1 C (CACNA1C) (gi:193788541, NM_001129843), c.1786G>A (p.V596M) and c.5344G>A (p.A1782T), and one missense variant in titin (TTN) c.49415G>A (p.R16472H) (gi:291045222, NM_003319). The variants p.V596M and p.R16472H were predicted to be deleterious and resulted in alterations in the amino acid type and sequence of the polypeptide chain, which may partially or completely inactivate the encoded protein. The comparison of literature, gene database, and pedigree phenotype analysis suggests that p.V596M or p.R16472H variants are pathogenic. The complex overlapping variants at three loci lead to a more severe phenotype in the proband, and may increase the susceptibility of individuals to atrial fibrillation. The simultaneous occurrence of V596M and R16472H may increase the severity of early repolarization. Various family members may have carried heterozygous mutants of p.A1782T and p.R16472H due to genetic heterogeneity, however did not exhibit clinical signs of cardiac electrophysiological alterations, potentially attributable to the low vagal tone. To the best of the author's knowledge, this is the first study to suggest the involvement of the novel missense CACNA1C c.1786G>A and TTN c.49415G>A variants in the inheritance of symptomatic bradycardia and development of SSS.