Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part B (2024)

Protein kinase A (PKA) is essential in controlling heart muscle function and structure. Its activation in cardiac cells is triggered by hormones, neurotransmitters, and stress-related catecholamines from the sympathetic nervous system. These catecholamines bind to β-adrenergic receptors, initiating a cAMP-dependent pathway that activates PKA. Elevated PKA activity enhances calcium ion cycling and cardiac muscle contractility, thereby improving heart performance.
Proper regulation of PKA is crucial for heart health. Disruptions in PKA signaling are linked to numerous heart conditions, including myocardial ischemia, hypertrophy, heart failure, and various cardiomyopathies such as diabetic, takotsubo, and anthracycline-induced types. PKA also plays a role in sex-related differences in heart function and disease susceptibility.
Recent studies emphasize the importance of understanding PKA's roles in both healthy and diseased hearts, identifying gaps in previous research and suggesting new avenues for investigation. Insights into the molecular mechanisms of PKA action offer potential for developing therapeutic interventions. Depending on the heart disease type and mechanism, targeting PKA with inhibitors or activators could be a viable cardio-protective strategy. Thus, creating specific PKA modulators as drugs holds promise for effectively treating various heart diseases.