New mechanism discovered for the life-threatening arrhythmias in Andersen-Tawil syndrome

A team at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) has made a breakthrough discovery in the understanding of cardiac arrhythmias by unraveling the complexities of Andersen-Tawil syndrome (ATS), an extremely rare inherited cardiac disorder. Led by Dr. José Jalife, head of the CNIC Cardiac Arrhythmia Group, the study demonstrates that a specific genetic mutation (C122Y) in the Kir2.1 potassium channel alters the function not only of Kir2.1 but also of the main cardiac sodium channel NaV1.5, thus establishing a direct link with the life-threatening arrhythmias associated with ATS1.

The study, published in the journal Circulation Research, reveals that the C122Y mutation in Kir2.1 has a dual effect: it causes a reorganization of the Kir2.1 channel that destabilizes its binding to the phospholipid PIP2, a key lipid-signaling component of the cell membrane, and also disrupts the expression of the protein that forms the NaV1.5 channel, impairing its function. The interaction between these 2 channels is vital for a stable heart rate.

Cardiac arrhythmia affects an estimated 1 in 3 people at some point in their life, although ATS is a very rare disease that affects fewer than 1 in a million people. ATS is characterized by a triad of symptoms including periodic paralysis, cardiac arrhythmias, and distinctive facial features. ATS1 is caused by mutations in KCNJ2—the gene encoding Kir2.1—that are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner.

In the study, the researchers created a mouse model that replicates the major cardiac electrical irregularities observed in patients with ATS1. This model surprisingly revealed that the mutation not only affects Kir2.1, but also interferes with the stability and expression of the NaV1.5 channel in the heart, impairing its function.

Dr. Jalife underscored the importance of the interaction between these channels for cardiac health, explaining that any alteration that disturbs the function of one or both channels can trigger life-threatening arrhythmias.

Speaking about the new study, first author Dr. Francisco Cruz said, "The discovery that a mutation considered 'monogenic' disrupts not only the ion channel directly affected by the mutation, but also a complementary channel is important. Both channels are essential for cardiac excitability and electrical conduction, and the new discovery provides insight into the mechanisms underlying cardiac arrhythmias associated not only with ATS1, but also with more frequent cardiac diseases."

Dr. Cruz added that the results "support the hypothesis that molecular mechanisms vary according to the specific mutation, opening the door to personalized pharmacological treatments and clinical management for patients".

This advance, the researchers conclude, represents a milestone in the approach to cardiac arrhythmias, offering new understanding with potential clinical impact. Improving knowledge about the function of the Kir2.1 channel represents a key step towards innovative and safe approaches to preventing sudden death in several cardiac diseases, potentially benefiting millions of people worldwide.

The results of the new Circulation Research study support the hypothesis that the molecular mechanisms that increase susceptibility to arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in ATS1 depend on the specific mutation, so that pharmacological treatment and clinical management should be tailored to each individual patient.

The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the NIH (USA); the la Caixa Foundation; the La Marató de TV3 Foundation; the Spanish cardiovascular research network (CIBERCV); the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Union; and Program S2022/BMD7229. The imaging studies were performed at the TRIMA@CNIC node of the Distributed Biomedical Imaging Network (ICTS ReDIB).

About the CNIC

The CNIC is an affiliate center of the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), an executive agency of the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities. Directed by Dr. Valentín Fuster, the CNIC is dedicated to cardiovascular research and the translation of the knowledge gained into real benefits for patients. The CNIC has been recognized by the Spanish government as a Severo Ochoa center of excellence (award CEX2020-001041-S, funded by MICIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033). The center is financed through a pioneering public-private partnership between the government (through the ISCIII) and the Pro-CNIC Foundation, which brings together 12 of the most important Spanish private companies.

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