The stress kinase JNK regulates gap junction Cx43 gene expression and promotes atrial fibrillation in the aged heart.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The stress kinase c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is critical in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases associated with an increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common arrhythmia in the elderly. We recently discovered that JNK activation is linked to the loss of gap junction connexin43 (Cx43) and enhanced atrial arrhythmogenicity. However, direct evidence for JNK-mediated impairment of intercellular coupling (cell-cell communication) in the intact aged atrium is lacking, as is evidence for whether and how JNK suppresses Cx43 in the aged human atrium.

Methods and results

JNK activity in human atrial samples is correlated with both reduced Cx43 expression and increasing age. Using a unique technique of optical mapping space constant measurement, we f

SUBMITTER: Yan J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5800987 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature