anna Posted June 3, 2012 Report Share Posted June 3, 2012 I thought this may be of interest to some!http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950229/Inherited Long QT Syndrome, a cardiac arrhythmia that predisposes to the often lethal ventricular fibrillation, is commonly linked to mutations in KCNQ1. The KCNQ1 voltage-gated K+ channel α subunit passes ventricular myocyte K+ current that helps bring a timely end to each heart-beat. KCNQ1, like many K+ channel α subunits, is regulated by KCNE β subunits, inherited mutations in which also associate with Long QT Syndrome. KCNQ1 and KCNE mutations are also associated with atrial fibrillation. It has long been known that thyroid status strongly influences cardiac function, and that thyroid dysfunction causes abnormal cardiac structure and rhythm. We recently discovered that KCNQ1 and KCNE2 form a thyroid-stimulating hormone-stimulated K+ channel in the thyroid that is required for normal thyroid hormone biosynthesis. Here, we review this novel genetic link between cardiac and thyroid physiology and pathology, and its potential influence upon future therapeutic strategies in cardiac and thyroid disease. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lemons2lemonade Posted June 3, 2012 Report Share Posted June 3, 2012 very interesting anna, thank you for sharing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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