T-tubule function in mammalian cardiac myocytes.
The transverse tubules (t-tubules) of mammalian cardiac ventricular myocytes are invaginations of the surface membrane. Recent studies have suggested that the structure and function of the t-tubules are more complex than previously believed; in particular, many of the proteins involved in cellular Ca2+ cycling appear to be concentrated at the t-tubule. Thus, the t-tubules are an important determinant of cardiac cell function, especially as the main site of excitation-contraction coupling, ensuring spatially and temporally synchronous Ca2+ release throughout the cell. Changes in t-tubule structure and protein expression occur during development and in heart failure, so that changes in the t-tubules may contribute to the functional changes observed in these conditions. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of recent studies of t-tubule structure and function in cardiac myocytes.
Brette
Fabien
F
School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK.
Orchard
Clive
C
D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D006332:Cardiomegaly / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006321:Heart / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D017136:Ion Transport; D008322:Mammals / Q000502:physiology*; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D051379:Mice; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011817:Rabbits; D051381:Rats; D012508:Sarcolemma / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013552:Swine
D008565:Membrane Proteins; D002118:Calcium