Annu Rev Physiol. 2021 Oct 06; doi: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-062421-040656. Epub 2021 Oct 06.

Cardiomyocyte Microtubules: Control of Mechanics, Transport, and Remodeling.

Annual review of physiology

Keita Uchida, Emily A Scarborough, Benjamin L Prosser

PMID: 34614374 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-062421-040656

Abstract

Microtubules are essential cytoskeletal elements found in all eukaryotic cells. The structure and composition of microtubules regulate their function, and the dynamic remodeling of the network by posttranslational modifications and microtubule-associated proteins generates diverse populations of microtubules adapted for various contexts. In the cardiomyocyte, the microtubules must accommodate the unique challenges faced by a highly contractile, rigidly structured, and long-lasting cell. Through their canonical trafficking role and positioning of mRNA, proteins, and organelles, microtubules regulate essential cardiomyocyte functions such as electrical activity, calcium handling, protein translation, and growth. In a more specialized role, posttranslationally modified microtubules form load-bearing structures that regulate myocyte mechanics and mechanotransduction. Modified microtubules proliferate in cardiovascular diseases, creating stabilized resistive elements that impede cardiomyocyte contractility and contribute to contractile dysfunction. In this review, we highlight the most exciting new concepts emerging from recent studies into canonical and noncanonical roles of cardiomyocyte microtubules. Expected final online publication date for the

Publication Types

• Journal Article