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Previous Volume 354:151-157 January 12, 2006 Number 2 Next

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SUMMARY

We found that sinus bradycardia in members of a large family was associated with a mutation in the gene coding for the pacemaker HCN4 ion channel. Pacemaker channels of the sinoatrial node generate spontaneous activity and mediate cyclic AMP (cAMP)–dependent autonomic modulation of the heart rate. The mutation associated with bradycardia is located near the cAMP-binding site; functional analysis found that mutant channels respond normally to cAMP but are activated at more negative voltages than are wild-type channels. These changes, which mimic those of mild vagal stimulation, slow the heart rate by decreasing the inward diastolic current. Thus, diminished function of pacemaker channels is linked to familial bradycardia.

Source Information

From the Department of Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Milan, Milan (R.M., M.B., D.D.); and the Department of Cardiology, Merate Hospital, Merate, Italy (T.G.-R.).

Address reprint requests to Dr. DiFrancesco at the Department of Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Laboratory of Molecular Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Milan, Via Celoria 26, 20133 Milan, Italy, or at dario.difrancesco{at}unimi.it.

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