Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™
Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Modulation Of The Cardiac Calcium Release Channel By Homocysteine Thiolactone, Laura Jean Owen
Modulation Of The Cardiac Calcium Release Channel By Homocysteine Thiolactone, Laura Jean Owen
Dissertations and Theses
Elevated levels in blood serum (≥10μmol/L) of the amino acid homocysteine is strongly correlated with the incidence of heart failure (HF). We present evidence that the cyclic thioester, homocysteine thiolactone (HTL), a metabolic product of homocysteine, irreversibly modifies proteins that regulate the contractile process in cardiac muscle. Two proteins found in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), the Ca2+ pump (SERCA2), and the ryanodine receptor (RyR2), are responsible for controlling the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration and hence the contractile state of the heart. While both improper Ca2+ handling and elevated homocysteine levels have been considered bio-markers in HF, a direct …