Structural basis and molecular mechanisms of Cl- transmembrane transport in cardiomyocytes

Abstract

The intracellular concentration of chlorine anions ([Cl-]i), the equilibrium potential for chlorine anions (ECl) and transmembrane chloride currents (ICl) are the factors that significantly influence the electrophysiological properties of excitable tissue, including the myocardium. Several types of chloride (anion) conductance have been identified in the heart. In recent years, a number of transmembrane proteins demonstrating chloride conductance have been identified (CFTR, ClC, TMEM16, LRRC8), and the expression of these macromolecules in cardiac tissue has been confirmed. Accumulated data allow for establishing a molecular substrate for some chloride anion currents (ICl,PKA, ICl,ir, ICl,vol, ICl,swell, ICl,Ca, Ito2) detected in the heart. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms regulating [Cl-]i and ECl through chloride cotransporters (KCC, NKCC1) and chloride-bicarbonate exchangers have been established. The variety of structures determining chloride transmembrane conductivity and the complexity of molecular mechanisms regulating chloride homeostasis underlie the complex effects of activation of chloride transporters in the pacemaker, conduction system and working myocardium of the heart. This review discusses the structural, biophysical properties and molecular regulation of chloride transporter protein complexes identified in the myocardium. The review also covers the mechanisms by which chloride transmembrane transport influences the bioelectrical activity of cardiomyocytes.