Chasing cardiac physiology and pathology down the CaMKII cascade

Calcium dynamics is central in cardiac physiology, as the key event leading to the excitation-contraction coupling (ECC) and relaxation processes. The primary function of Ca 2+ in the heart is the control of mechanical activity developed by the myofibril contractile apparatus. This key role of Ca 2+ signaling explains the subtle and critical control of important events of ECC and relaxation, such as Ca 2+ influx and SR Ca 2+ release and uptake....