Subcellular Ca2+ signalling microdomains regulating cardiomyocyte growth and function

Calcium plays an essential role in cardiomyocyte function, particularly in the Excitation-Contraction Coupling process. It is also implicated in signalling pathways that trigger cardiac hypertrophy. The manner in which calcium regulates these roles selectively and concurrently is yet to be determined. This project is established based on the hypothesis that calcium achieves this through distinct calcium signalling microdomains within the cardiomyocyte. To test this hypothesis, a geometrically realistic 3D finite element model of a ventricular cardiomyocyte will be developed with the aid of super-resolution microscopy and deep learning. The developed model will then be used to simulate calcium release events at relevant calcium microdomains to investigate their collective effect in shaping calcium transient characteristics and properties that lead to cardiac hypertrophy.