Cantu syndrome (CS) is caused by gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in genes encoding pore-forming (Kir6.1, KCNJ8) and accessory (SUR2, ABCC9) K ATP channel subunits. We show that patients with CS, as well as mice with constitutive (cGOF) or tamoxifen-induced (icGOF) cardiac-specific Kir6.1 GOF subunit expression, have enlarged hearts, with increased ejection fraction and increased contractility. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings from cGOF or icGOF ventricular myocytes (VM) show increased basal L-type Ca 2+ current (LTCC), comparable to that seen in WT VM treated with isoproterenol. Mice with vascularspecific expression (vGOF) show left ventricular dilation as well as less-markedly increased LTCC. Increased LTCC in K ATP GOF models is paralleled by changes in phosphorylation of the pore-forming α 1 subunit of the cardiac voltage-gated calcium channel Cav1.2 at Ser1928, suggesting enhanced protein kinase activity as a potential link between increased K ATP current and CS cardiac pathophysiology.C antu syndrome (CS), characterized by hypertrichosis, osteochondrodysplasia, and multiple cardiovascular abnormalities (1), is caused by gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the genes encoding the pore-forming (Kir6.1, KCNJ8) and regulatory (SUR2, ABCC9) subunits of the predominantly cardiovascular isoforms of the K ATP channel (2-5). Because the same disease features arise from mutations in either of these subunits, it is concluded that CS arises from increased K ATP channel activity, as opposed to any nonelectrophysiologic function of either subunit.However, this conclusion does not provide immediate explanation for many CS features. In the myocardium, for example, acute activation of K ATP channels results in shortening of the action potential (AP), with concomitant reduction of both calcium entry and contractility (6). The naïve prediction in CS would therefore be that K ATP GOF mutations should shorten the AP, reduce contractility, and reduce cardiac output. We previously reported high cardiac output with low systemic vascular resistance in CS (7). Cantu syndrome cardiac pathology is therefore opposite to prediction, and also unlike classical hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathies, in that the ventricle is dilated, but there is increased cardiac output. Here we characterize CS cardiac pathology in patients, and explore the mechanistic basis using mice that express K ATP GOF mutant subunits in the heart and vasculature.
ResultsLow Blood Pressure in CS Patients. Eleven CS individuals (five male, six female, aged 17 mo to 47 y), all harboring ABCC9 mutations (Table S1), participated in CS research clinics at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Five had been previously followed at this institution (7) and the remainder were enrolled via the CS Interest Group (www.cantu-syndrome.org). Patient demographic data, genotype, and available cardiac historical, physical, and test information are summarized in Table S1. Most patients had no recalled cardiac symptomatology, although prior office notes revealed episodes of chest pain, f...