Sarcomeric Z-disc: A center of signaling transduction in cardiomyocytes

Sarcomere represents the fundamental contractile unit of cardiomyocytes. The lateral boundaries of a single sarcomere are built up by Z-discs, which also represent a key interface between the contractile apparatus and the cytoskeleton. Z-discs provide a backbone for the insertions of actin-based thin filaments as well as titin and nebulin/nebulette. Z-discs can also transmit forces generated within the sarcomere to the extracellular matrix. In addition to the cytoskeletal proteins, Z-discs are composed of a large number of adaptor proteins and other molecules. These proteins can bind or recruit ion channels, Na-Ca exchanger, protein kinases, protein phosphatases, phosphodiesterases, proteases, acetylases and deacetylases, which are involved in multiple signal transduction pathways. Z-discs also sense the stress and strain from sarcomeres and drive nuclear translocation of some shuttle proteins that modulate gene expression. Transverse tubules are invaginations of the surface membrane that form a complex network surrounding myofibrils. Therefore, the transverse tubule network is a structure that allows rapid propagation of excitation and biochemical signals into Z-discs. In summary, Z-discs are a bona fide center of signal transduction in cardiomyocytes.