Vascular endothelial growth factor increases the profibrotic activity of atrial fibroblasts by activating the currents through transient receptor potential channels and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated K+ (KCa3.1) channels and by enhancing Ca2+ entry-induced phosphorylated Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) signaling. These findings suggest a novel strategy targeting atrial myopathy and arrhythmofibrosis.
- Cheng-Chih Chung
- Yung-Kuo Lin
- Yi-Jen Chen
