Abstract 13258: Myosin Light Chain Dephosphorylation by Ppp1r12c Promotes Atrial Hypocontractility in Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with an estimated prevalence in the U.S. of 6.1 million . AF increases the risk of a thromboembolic stroke in five-fold. Although atrial hypocontractility contributes to stroke risk in AF, the molecular mechanisms reducing myofilament contractile function in AF remains unknown. We have recently identified protein phosphatase 1 subunit 12c (PPP1R12C) as a key molecule targeting myosin light chain phosphorylation in AF. Objective We hypothesize that the overexpression of PPP1R12C causes hypophosphorylation of atrial myosin light chain 2 (MLC2a), thereby decreasing atrial contractility in AF. Methods and Results Left and right atrial appendage tissues were isolated from AF patients versus sinus rhythm (SR). To evaluate the role of the PP1c-PPP1R12C interaction in MLC2a de-phosphorylation, we utilized Western blots, co-immunoprecipitation, and phosphorylation assays. In patients with AF, PPP1R12C expression was increased 3.5-fold versus SR controls with an 88% reduction in MLC2a phosphorylation. PPP1R12CPP1c binding and PPP1R12C-MLC2a binding were significantly increased in AF. In vitro studies of either pharmacologic (BDP5290) or genetic (T560A) PPP1R12C activation demonstrated increased PPP1R12C binding with both PP1c and MLC2a, and dephosphorylation of MLC2a. Additionally, to evaluate the role of PPP1R12C expression in cardiac function, mice with lentiviral cardiac-specific overexpression of PPP1R12C (Lenti-12C) were evaluated for atrial contractility using echocardiography, versus wild-type and Lenti-controls. Lenti-12C mice demonstrated a 150% increase in left atrium size versus controls, with reduced atrial strain and atrial ejection fraction. Also, programmed electrical stimulation was performed to evaluate AF inducibility in vivo. Pacing-induced AF in Lenti-12C mice was significantly higher than controls. Conclusion The overexpression of PPP1R12C increases PP1c targeting to MLC2a and provokes dephosphorylation, associated with a reduction in atrial contractility and increase in AF inducibility. All these discoveries suggest that PP1 regulation of sarcomere function at MLC2a is a main regulator of atrial contractility in AF.