Molecular properties of cardiac tail-anchored membrane protein SLMAP are consistent with structural role in arrangement of excitation-contraction coupling apparatus

RM Guzzo, M Salih, ED Moore… - American Journal of …, 2005 - journals.physiology.org
RM Guzzo, M Salih, ED Moore, BS Tuana
American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 2005journals.physiology.org
The spatial arrangement of the cell-surface membranes (sarcolemma and transverse
tubules) and internal membranes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum relative to the myofibril is
critical for effective excitation-contraction (EC) coupling in cardiac myocytes; however, the
molecular determinants of this order remain to be defined. Here, we ascribe molecular and
cellular properties to the coiled-coil, tail-anchored sarcolemmal membrane-associated
protein (SLMAP) that are consistent with a potential role in organizing the EC coupling …
The spatial arrangement of the cell-surface membranes (sarcolemma and transverse tubules) and internal membranes of the sarcoplasmic reticulum relative to the myofibril is critical for effective excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling in cardiac myocytes; however, the molecular determinants of this order remain to be defined. Here, we ascribe molecular and cellular properties to the coiled-coil, tail-anchored sarcolemmal membrane-associated protein (SLMAP) that are consistent with a potential role in organizing the E-C coupling apparatus of the cardiomyocyte. The expression of SLMAP was developmentally regulated and its localization was distinctly apparent at the level of the membranes involved in regulating the E-C coupling mechanism. Several SLMAP isoforms were expressed in the cardiac myocyte with unique COOH-terminal membrane anchors that could target this molecule to distinct subcellular membranes. Protein interaction analysis indicated that SLMAPs could self assemble and bind myosin in cardiac muscle. The cardiac-specific expression of SLMAP isoforms that can be targeted to distinct subcellular membranes, self assemble, and interact with the myofibril suggests a potential role for this molecule in the structural arrangement of the E-C coupling apparatus.
American Physiological Society