Function of the S100A1 Ca2+-binding protein under physiological and pathological conditions

S100A1蛋白是人类心肌细胞中最丰富的蛋白质之一。它结合钙离子，可能在心脏功能的调节中发挥作用。人类心力衰竭时，S100A1水平降低，但尚不清楚这种降低是否会导致疾病恶化。为了研究这个问题，我们培育了一种不能产生S100A1蛋白的转基因小鼠。我们将用这些老鼠来研究这种蛋白质在正常情况下对心脏功能的重要性，以及它是如何导致心力衰竭的。初步数据表明，S100A1蛋白水平降低的成年小鼠会患上一种心脏病，这种疾病会显著降低心脏泵功能的效率。

The S100A1 protein is one of the most abundant proteins in human heart muscle cells. It binds calcium ions and may play a role in the regulation of heart function. S100A1 levels are reduced in human heart failure, but it is unclear whether this reduction contributes to worsening of the disease. To study this, we have generated a genetically modified mouse strain that cannot make the S100A1 protein. We will use these mice to study how important the protein is for heart function under normal conditions, and how it contributes to the development of heart failure. Preliminary data indicate that adult mice with reduced S100A1 protein levels develop a form of heart disease that significantly reduces the efficiency of the pump function of the heart.