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

• Published in: Korean circulation journal 2025, 55(2), , pp.100-117
• Main Authors: Tae Hee Ko, Yoonhee Kim, Chunmei Jin, 유병일, Minju Lee, Phuong Kim Luong, Tran Nguyet Trinh, Yeji Yang(Korea Basic Science Institute, Hyojin Kang(Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Yinhua Zhang, Ruiying Ma, Kwangmin Yoo, Jungmin Choi, JinYoungKim, Sun-Hee Woo, Kihoon Han, Jong-Il Choi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 내과학
• ISSN: 1738-5520; 1738-5555
• DOI: 10.4070/kcj.2024.0179

Background and Objectives: SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) proteins play crucial roles as neuronal postsynaptic scaffolds. Alongside neuropsychiatric symptoms, individuals with SHANK3 mutations often exhibit symptoms related to dysfunctions in other organs, including the heart. However, detailed insights into the cardiac functions of Shank3 remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the cardiac phenotypes of Shank3- overexpressing transgenic mice and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Cardiac 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 measuredin 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. Results: The 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. Conclusions: This 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. KCI Citation Count: 0