Objective: We explored the extent to which these age-dependent physiological changes correlated with alterations in gene transcription in murine Pgc-1β-/- atria.
Methods and Results: RNA isolated from murine atrial tissue samples from young (12-16 weeks) and aged (>52 weeks of age), wild type (WT) and Pgc-1β-/- mice were studied by pre-probed quantitative PCR array cards. We examined genes encoding sixty ion channels and other strategic atrial electrophysiological proteins. Pgc-1β-/- genotype independently reduced gene transcription underlying Na+-K+-ATPase, sarcoplasmic reticular Ca2+-ATPase, background K+ channel and cholinergic receptor function. Age independently decreased Na+-K+-ATPase and fibrotic markers. Both factors interacted to alter Hcn4 channel activity underlying atrial automaticity. However, neither factor, whether independently or interactively, affected transcription of cardiac Na+, voltage-dependent K+ channels, surface or intracellular Ca2+ channels. Nor were gap junction channels, β-adrenergic receptors or transforming growth factor-β affected.
Conclusion: These findings limit the possible roles of gene transcriptional changes in previously reported age-dependent pro-arrhythmic electrophysiologial changes observed in Pgc-1β-/- atria to an altered Ca2+-ATPase (Atp2a2) expression. This directly parallels previously reported arrhythmic mechanism associated with p21-activated kinase type 1 deficiency. This could add to contributions from the direct physiological outcomes of mitochondrial dysfunction, whether through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production or altered Ca2+ homeostasis.