Shank3 Overexpression Leads to Cardiac Dysfunction in Mice by Disrupting Calcium Homeostasis in Cardiomyocytes.

BACKGROUND AND

objectivesSH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) proteins play crucial roles as neuronal postsynaptic scaffolds. Alongside neuropsychiatric symptoms, individuals with

methodsCardiac histological analysis, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram recordings were conducted on Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice. Electrophysiological properties, including action potentials and L-type Ca²⁺ channel (LTCC) currents, were measured in isolated cardiomyocytes. Ca²⁺ homeostasis was assessed by analyzing cytosolic Ca²⁺ transients and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ contents. Depolarization-induced cell shortening was examined in cardiomyocytes. Immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry-based identification was employed to identify proteins in the cardiac Shank3 interactome. Western blot and immunocytochemical analyses were conducted to identify changes in protein expression in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.

resultsThe hearts of Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice displayed reduced weight and increased fibrosis. In vivo, sudden cardiac death, arrhythmia, and contractility impairments were identified. Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes showed prolonged action potential duration and increased LTCC current density. Cytosolic Ca²⁺ transients were increased with prolonged decay time, while sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ contents remained normal. Cell shortening was augmented in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes. The cardiac Shank3 interactome comprised 78 proteins with various functions. Troponin I levels were down-regulated in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic cardiomyocytes.

conclusionsThis study revealed cardiac dysfunction in Shank3-overexpressing transgenic mice, potentially attributed to changes in Ca²⁺ homeostasis and contraction, with a notable reduction in troponin I.