Investigating a new mechanism which regulates the hearts ability to pump

Role of the type 2A phosphatase regulatory subunit PPP2R5A/B56alpha in beta-adrenergic regulation of cardiac protein phosphorylation and function

Some patients suffering from heart failure are affected by a malfunctioning in the system which tells the heart how hard to pump. The heart can become over-sensitive to the signals which tell it to beat, meaning the heart pumps too hard, too fast and less efficiently. Beta-blockers are a type of drug often prescribed for patients with heart failure to make the heart pump more effectively, but they can have undesirable side-effects. A key player in regulating the rate and strength of the heartbeat is a protein called the beta-adrenergic receptor. This protein is the target for beta-blockers. Beta-blocker side effects can include making you feel very tired, giving you cold hands and feet, and cause erectile dysfunction. Professor Metin Avkiran and his team from Kings’ College London are studying a protein called B56alpha, which may be regulated by signals given off by the beta-adrenergic receptor, and hence may be involved in controlling the heartbeat. The researchers will examine how well the heart functions in mice that don’t have the B56alpha protein. Although the research is at an early stage, increasing our understanding of B56alpha’s role in the heart could help lead to new treatments for heart failure in the future.