Mutation of an A-kinase-anchoring protein causes long-QT syndrome

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2007 Dec 26;104(52):20990-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0710527105. Epub 2007 Dec 19.

Abstract

A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) recruit signaling molecules and present them to downstream targets to achieve efficient spatial and temporal control of their phosphorylation state. In the heart, sympathetic nervous system (SNS) regulation of cardiac action potential duration (APD), mediated by beta-adrenergic receptor (betaAR) activation, requires assembly of AKAP9 (Yotiao) with the I(Ks) potassium channel alpha subunit (KCNQ1). KCNQ1 mutations that disrupt this complex cause type 1 long-QT syndrome (LQT1), one of the potentially lethal heritable arrhythmia syndromes. Here, we report identification of (i) regions on Yotiao critical to its binding to KCNQ1 and (ii) a single putative LQTS-causing mutation (S1570L) in AKAP9 (Yotiao) localized to the KCNQ1 binding domain in 1/50 (2%) subjects with a clinically robust phenotype for LQTS but absent in 1,320 reference alleles. The inherited S1570L mutation reduces the interaction between KCNQ1 and Yotiao, reduces the cAMP-induced phosphorylation of the channel, eliminates the functional response of the I(Ks) channel to cAMP, and prolongs the action potential in a computational model of the ventricular cardiocyte. These reconstituted cellular consequences of the inherited S1570L-Yotiao mutation are consistent with delayed repolarization of the ventricular action potential observed in the affected siblings. Thus, we have demonstrated a link between genetic perturbations in AKAP and human disease in general and AKAP9 and LQTS in particular.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • A Kinase Anchor Proteins / genetics*
  • A Kinase Anchor Proteins / physiology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Binding Sites
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / genetics*
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / physiology
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • KCNQ1 Potassium Channel / genetics*
  • KCNQ1 Potassium Channel / physiology
  • Long QT Syndrome / genetics*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation*
  • Potassium Channels / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Tertiary
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / metabolism

Substances

  • A Kinase Anchor Proteins
  • AKAP9 protein, human
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • KCNQ1 Potassium Channel
  • KCNQ1 protein, human
  • Potassium Channels
  • Receptors, Adrenergic, beta