JNK2, a Newly-Identified SERCA2 Enhancer, Augments an Arrhythmic [Ca2+]SR Leak-Load Relationship

Circ Res. 2021 Feb 19;128(4):455-470. doi: 10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.120.318409. Epub 2020 Dec 18.

Abstract

Rationale: We recently discovered pivotal contributions of stress kinase JNK2 (c-Jun N-terminal kinase isoform 2) in increased risk of atrial fibrillation through enhanced diastolic sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) calcium (Ca2+) leak via RyR2 (ryanodine receptor isoform 2). However, the role of JNK2 in the function of the SERCA2 (SR Ca2+-ATPase), essential in maintaining SR Ca2+ content cycling during each heartbeat, is completely unknown.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that JNK2 increases SERCA2 activity SR Ca2+ content and exacerbates an arrhythmic SR Ca2+ content leak-load relationship.

Methods and results: We used confocal Ca2+ imaging in myocytes and HEK-RyR2 (ryanodine receptor isoform 2-expressing human embryonic kidney 293 cells) cells, biochemistry, dual Ca2+/voltage optical mapping in intact hearts from alcohol-exposed or aged mice (where JNK2 is activated). We found that JNK2, but not JNK1 (c-Jun N-terminal kinase isoform 1), increased SERCA2 uptake and consequently elevated SR Ca2+ content load. JNK2 also associates with and phosphorylates SERCA2 proteins. JNK2 causally enhances SERCA2-ATPase activity via increased maximal rate, without altering Ca2+ affinity. Unlike the CaMKII (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II)-dependent JNK2 action in SR Ca2+ leak, JNK2-driven SERCA2 function was CaMKII independent (not prevented by CaMKII inhibition). With CaMKII blocked, the JNK2-driven SR Ca2+ loading alone did not significantly raise leak. However, with JNK2-CaMKII-driven SR Ca2+ leak present, the JNK2-enhanced SR Ca2+ uptake limited leak-induced reduction in SR Ca2+, normalizing Ca2+ transient amplitude, but at a higher arrhythmogenic SR Ca2+ leak. JNK2-specific inhibition completely normalized SR Ca2+ handling, attenuated arrhythmic Ca2+ activities, and alleviated atrial fibrillation susceptibility in aged and alcohol-exposed myocytes and intact hearts.

Conclusions: We have identified a novel JNK2-induced activation of SERCA2. The dual action of JNK2 in CaMKII-dependent arrhythmic SR Ca2+ leak and a CaMKII-independent uptake exacerbates atrial arrhythmogenicity, while helping to maintain normal levels of Ca2+ transients and heart function. JNK2 modulation may be a novel therapeutic target for atrial fibrillation prevention and treatment.

Keywords: JNK mitogen-activated protein kinases; animals; atrial fibrillation; phosphorylation; sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Animals
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / metabolism*
  • Calcium Signaling*
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 / metabolism
  • Cells, Cultured
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 9 / metabolism*
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / metabolism*
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / physiology
  • Rabbits
  • Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel / metabolism
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 9
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2
  • Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium-Transporting ATPases
  • Atp2a2 protein, mouse