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The Analytical Scientist / Issues / 2020 / Feb / Got Rhythm?
Microscopy Translational Science

Got Rhythm?

An atomic view of cardiac arrhythmia

By Jonathan James 02/07/2020 1 min read

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Sodium channels are key in the establishment of action potentials (the drivers of our heartbeat), and dysfunction of voltage-gated sodium channel 1.5 (Nav1.5) in the heart can trigger life-threatening arrhythmias. Despite their significance, however, little is known about the structure and physiological function of these channels.

William Catterall and colleagues used cryo-electron microscopy to construct a complete model of Nav1.5’s structure at a resolution of 3.5 Å (1). The result? A more comprehensive understanding of what makes the channels unique – namely, an unexpected glycosyl moiety and the loss of disulfide bonding capability at specific subsites – and advanced insight into mechanisms of voltage-dependent channel functions and sodium ion conduction. The team was keen to understand how antiarrhythmic drugs were interacting with Nav1.5 at an atomic level. “We’ve been able to characterize how flecainide – a commonly prescribed antiarrhythmic – specifically targets the central pore cavity of Nav1.5, physically blocking sodium permeation,” says Catterall.

Looking ahead, the team plan to image multiple arrhythmic mutations and antiarrhythmic drugs at the atomic level. “This will provide much-needed chemical information, which will facilitate structure-based drug design.”
 

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References

  1. D Jiang et al., “Structure of the cardiac sodium channel”, Cell, 1, 122 [Epub ahead of print] (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.11.041

About the Author(s)

Jonathan James

Having thrown myself into various science communication activities whilst studying science at University, I soon came to realize where my passions truly lie; outside the laboratory, telling the stories of the remarkable men and women conducting groundbreaking research. Now, at Texere, I have the opportunity to do just that.

More Articles by Jonathan James

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