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KCNE2 upregulation improves cardiac function by inhibiting Smurf1-mediated SERCA2a degradation in diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice

delete2026-07-22
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PRE
AI
S
Song Ming
K
Kai-ping Gao
杨洁 (Jie Yang)
Y
Yu-qi Tu
Y
Yi-xin Zhu-Ge
W
Wan-wen Cheng
G
Gang Wang
Y
Ying Li
W
Wenjuan Liu *
J
J Liu *
DOI:10.1038/s41401-026-01888-5delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is associated with impaired calcium handling and downregulation of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase 2a (SERCA2a), though the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we identify KCNE2, an auxiliary β-regulatory subunit of multiple ion channels, as a key regulator of SERCA2a protein stability in the diabetic heart. KCNE2 expression was significantly reduced in high fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and palmitic acid-treated cardiomyocytes. Using LC-MS/MS and co-immunoprecipitation, SERCA2a was identified as a direct binding partner of KCNE2. Knockdown of KCNE2 decreased SERCA2a protein levels without affecting its transcription. Cardiac-specific overexpression of KCNE2 via adenovirus-associated virus 9 delivery restored SERCA2a expression, improved sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺ cycling, and ameliorated systolic and diastolic dysfunction in diabetic mice. Mechanistically, KCNE2 competitively inhibited the interaction between SERCA2a and the E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf1, thereby suppressing Smurf1-mediated polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of SERCA2a. These results reveal a novel protective role of KCNE2 in diabetic hearts and propose KCNE2 upregulation as a potential therapeutic strategy for DCM.
Keywords:
diabetic cardiomyopathy
calcium handling
SERCA2a
KCNE2
Smurf1

Journal

Acta Pharmacologica Sinica cover
Acta Pharmacologica Sinica
IF:
8.4
Papers:
4.4K
Citations:
1.8W

Organization

Z
zhujiang hospital
Scholars:
495
Papers: 141
Citations: 1
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