RyR2-Dependent Calcium Leak Drives the Acute Cardiovascular Manifestations of Ciguatera Poisoning: implications for an emerging climate-sensitive cardiotoxic disease

Abstract

Background: Ciguatera is the most prevalent non-bacterial seafood poisoning worldwide. It results from the consumption of fish contaminated with ciguatoxins (CTXs). Cardiovascular manifestations are frequently reported in affected patients; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying CTX-induced cardiac dysfunction remain poorly understood. Methods: We investigated the effects of purified CTX-1B and CTX-3C on human induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived ventricular cardiomyocytes. Electrophysiology, intracellular calcium cycling and contractility, and cellular structure were assessed. The RyR2 channel activity was studied in planar lipid bilayers, and molecular docking was used to identify a potential CTX-1B interaction site. Consequences on cardiac function were assessed in rats using echocardiography and EKG. Findings: We found that ciguatoxin exposure rapidly increased diastolic intracellular calcium, with severe impacts on the cardiac excitation-contraction coupling, and caused sarcomeric disorganization in human cardiomyocytes. Single-channel recordings indicated that CTX-1B prolonged RyR2 openings at resting cytosolic calcium and altered ATP-dependent gating. These findings are consistent with a state-dependent remodeling of RyR2 gating rather than uniform potentiation. Docking placed CTX-1B within the RyR2 transmembrane region, near ATP-associated regulatory elements. In rats, CTX-1B caused premature atrial contractions, ventricular ectopy, and acute cardiac dysfunction, with impaired relaxation. Interpretation: These findings identify RyR2-dependent calcium leak as a plausible contributor to ciguatoxin cardiotoxicity and extend the established model based on sodium-channel activation and altered sarcolemmal ion handling. Combined disruption of membrane excitability and intracellular calcium release could explain the rapid electrical and mechanical abnormalities associated with ciguatera. As intensive international shipping traffic and the global dispersal of harmful microalgae via ballast water expand exposure risk alongside the international seafood trade, ciguatera should be considered an emerging global cardiovascular hazard.