Function and regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+- ATPase -: Advances during the past decade and prospects for the coming decade

In cardiac muscle, the contraction-r-laxation cycle is tightly controlled by the regulated release and uptake of intracellular Ca2+ between sarcoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasm. A major protein controlling Ca2+ cycling is Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a) located in the sarcoplasmic reticulum membrane. The function of SERCA2a protein is regulated by the phosphorylatable protein, phospholamban, Phosphorylation of phospholamban releases its inhibitory effect on SERCA2a through direct molecular interaction. Recently, mice whose SERCA2a function is increased (overexpression of the gene) or lost (knock out) were developed. These mice demonstrated that SERCA2a pump levels are a major determinant of cardiac muscle contractility and relaxation. These studies open the prospect that the overexpression of SERCA2a can correct cardiac dysfunction seen in heart failure. Advances in knowledge concerning the function and gene regulation of SERCA2a are discussed in this review.