The role of mammalian cardiac t-tubules in excitation-contraction coupling: experimental and computational approaches.
The sarcolemmal membrane of mammalian cardiac ventricular myocytes is characterized by the presence of invaginations called transverse tubules (t-tubules). Transverse tubules occur at the Z-line as transverse elements with longitudinal extensions. While the existence of t-tubules has been known for some time, recent experimental studies have suggested that their structure and function are more complex than previously believed. There are, however, aspects of t-tubule function that are not currently amenable to experimental investigation, but can be investigated using computational and mathematical approaches. Such studies have helped elucidate further the possible role of t-tubules in cell function. This review summarizes recent experimental and complementary computational studies which highlight the important role of t-tubules in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling.
Orchard
Clive H
CH
Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. clive.orchard@bristol.ac.uk
Pásek
Michal
M
Brette
Fabien
F
D000200:Action Potentials; D000818:Animals; D020013:Calcium Signaling; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D009200:Myocardial Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000502:physiology*; D012508:Sarcolemma / Q000502:physiology; D012519:Sarcoplasmic Reticulum / Q000378:metabolism
D008565:Membrane Proteins