ABSTRACT
Rationale: Cardiomyocytes (CMs) undergo dramatic structural and functional changes in postnatal maturation; however, the regulatory mechanisms remain greatly unclear. Cypher/Z-band alternatively spliced PDZ-motif protein (ZASP) is an essential sarcomere component maintaining Z-disc stability. Deletion of mouse Cypher and mutation in human ZASP result in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Whether Cypher/ZASP participates in CM maturation and thereby affects cardiac function has not been answered. Methods: Immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, real-time quantitative PCR, and Western blot were utilized to identify the role of Cypher in CM maturation. Subsequently, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis predicted serum response factor (SRF) as the key regulator. Rescue experiments were conducted using adenovirus or adeno-associated viruses encoding SRF, both in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanisms were elucidated through G-actin/F-actin fractionation, nuclear-cytoplasmic extraction, actin disassembly assays, and co-sedimentation assays. Results: Cypher deletion led to impaired sarcomere isoform switch and morphological abnormalities in mitochondria, transverse-tubules, and intercalated discs. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed significant dysregulation of crucial genes related to sarcomere assembly, mitochondrial metabolism, and electrophysiology in the absence of Cypher. Furthermore, SRF was predicted as key transcription factor mediating the transcriptional differences. Subsequent rescue experiments showed that SRF re-expression during the critical postnatal period effectively rectified CM maturation defects and notably improved cardiac function in Cypher-depleted mice. Mechanistically, Cypher deficiency resulted in the destabilization of F-actin and a notable increase in G-actin levels, thereby impeding the nuclear localisation of myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTFA) and subsequently initiating SRF transcription. Conclusion: Cypher/ZASP plays a crucial role in CM maturation through actin-mediated MRTFA-SRF signalling. The linkage between CM maturation abnormalities and the late-onset of DCM is suggested, providing further insights into the pathogenesis of DCM and potential treatment strategies.
Subject(s)
Actins , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Myocytes, Cardiac , Serum Response Factor , Signal Transduction , Trans-Activators , Animals , Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism , Serum Response Factor/metabolism , Serum Response Factor/genetics , Mice , Actins/metabolism , Trans-Activators/metabolism , Trans-Activators/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/metabolism , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/pathology , Sarcomeres/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism , Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/genetics , Humans , Mice, KnockoutABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an etiologically heterogeneous group of diseases of the myocardium. With the rapid evolution in laboratory investigations, genetic background is increasingly determined including many genes with variable penetrance and expressivity. Biallelic NEXN variants are rare in humans and associated with poor prognosis: fetal and perinatal death or severe DCMs in infants. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe two male infants with prenatal diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy with impaired ventricular contractility. One of the patients showed hydrops and polyhydramnios. Postnatally, a DCM with severely reduced systolic function was confirmed and required medical treatment. In patient 1, Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) revealed a homozygous NEXN variant: c.1156dup (p.Met386fs) while in patient 2 a custom Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) panel revealed the homozygous NEXN variant c.1579_1584delp. (Glu527_Glu528del). These NEXN variants have not been previously described. Unlike the unfavorable prognosis described for biallelic NEXN variants, we observed in both our patients a favorable clinical course over time. CONCLUSION: This report might help to broaden the present knowledge regarding NEXN biallelic variants and their clinical expression. It might be worthy to consider the inclusion of the NEXN gene sequencing in the investigation of pediatric patients with DCM.
Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Humans , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/diagnosis , Male , Infant, Newborn , Female , Exome Sequencing , PregnancyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This case report documents the first worldwide use of the Hybrid System from Spectrum Medical in a heart transplant procedure, focusing on its safety and efficacy. Traditional cardiopulmonary bypass systems often use an open reservoir, which increases the blood's exposure to air, thereby heightening the risk of an inflammatory response and gas embolism. In contrast, the Hybrid System is designed to improve surgical outcomes by significantly reducing the blood-air interface. This system utilizes a dual-chamber cardiotomy-venous reservoir with a collapsible soft bag, effectively minimizing blood contact with air and foreign materials. However, it is important to note that there is currently no evidence supporting the use of this methodology specifically in heart transplants. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old male managed with a left ventricular assist device because of dilated cardiomyopathy underwent a heart transplant using the Hybrid System. The perioperative and postoperative data provided evidence of the system's effectiveness. The selection of this patient was due to the absence of significant comorbidities unrelated to his primary cardiac condition, making him an ideal candidate to evaluate the system's performance. CONCLUSION: The Hybrid System is safe and efficient. The successful implementation in this case highlights its advantages over traditional cardiopulmonary bypass systems, suggesting a promising future in cardiac surgery. Further studies with routine cardiac surgery patients are required to validate these findings.
Subject(s)
Extracorporeal Circulation , Heart Transplantation , Humans , Male , Heart Transplantation/methods , Adult , Extracorporeal Circulation/methods , Heart-Assist Devices , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/surgeryABSTRACT
Myocarditis (MC) is defined as an immunological inflammatory reaction with various etiologies, clinical presentations and prognoses within the myocardium. Currently, parvovirus B19 (PVB19) has become the main factor leading to this disease, replacing the previously dominant viruses A and B. In the case of chronic heart failure with subsequent dilated cardiomyopathy, approximately 67% have a viral etiology, and most of them are the result of PVB19 infection. However, the analysis showed a correlation between PVB19 infection and the risk of developing inflammatory dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMi). PVB19 is detected in 23% of patients with DCMi. Chronic infection may also contribute to progressive left ventricular failure in patients with a history of MC. The above effect suggests the active replication of PVB19 only in heart biopsies with inflammation due to MC or DCMi. Moreover, the supply of IFN-ß to suppress the active transcription of PVB19 accompanied by DCMi over a period of 6 months results in the normalization of NT-proBNP and an improvement in LVEF along with NYHA performance. The small number of reports on this topic and inaccuracies resulting from constantly conducted research and ongoing changes make it impossible to clearly answer the question of whether PVB19 is a factor inducing de novo MC and DCM or only accompanies the above conditions. However, large clinical cohort studies lead to the perception of PVB19 as a viral etiological agent capable of causing de novo MC together with DCMi.
Subject(s)
Heart Failure , Myocarditis , Parvoviridae Infections , Parvovirus B19, Human , Humans , Myocarditis/virology , Myocarditis/etiology , Parvovirus B19, Human/pathogenicity , Heart Failure/virology , Heart Failure/etiology , Parvoviridae Infections/complications , Parvoviridae Infections/virology , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/virology , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/pathologyABSTRACT
Pathologic left ventricular remodeling and valvular heart disease may contribute to the clinical presentation and outcomes of patients presenting with heart failure, and limit the effectiveness of guideline-directed medical therapy. Although surgical interventions including surgical ventricular restoration techniques and valve repair or replacement are effective therapies, there is growing evidence that transcatheter interventions may be options for patients with persistent symptoms of heart failure despite optimal medical therapy, where surgical options may be limited. This scientific statement will review the current available and investigational percutaneous strategies for the management of structural contributors to heart failure: dilated left ventricular cardiomyopathies and valvular heart disease.
Subject(s)
Heart Failure , Humans , Heart Failure/therapy , Heart Valve Diseases/surgery , Heart Valve Diseases/therapy , Cardiac Surgical Procedures/methods , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/therapy , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/physiopathologyABSTRACT
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are extensively used in the management of heart failure because of their cardiovascular benefits. Adverse drug reactions associated with dapagliflozin include diabetic ketoacidosis, fungal infections, and increased blood glucose concentrations. However, abnormal uterine bleeding is not a known side effect of dapagliflozin. We report a 75-year-old Chinese woman with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic heart failure who experienced abnormal uterine bleeding while taking dapagliflozin. Notably, cessation of dapagliflozin administration resulted in the disappearance of uterine bleeding. These findings suggest that dapagliflozin possesses additional potential mechanisms, but these mechanisms require further investigation. Furthermore, healthcare professionals should remain vigilant regarding the occurrence of uterine bleeding when prescribing dapagliflozin.
Subject(s)
Benzhydryl Compounds , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Glucosides , Heart Failure , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors , Uterine Hemorrhage , Humans , Female , Aged , Heart Failure/chemically induced , Glucosides/adverse effects , Glucosides/therapeutic use , Benzhydryl Compounds/adverse effects , Benzhydryl Compounds/therapeutic use , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/chemically induced , Uterine Hemorrhage/chemically induced , Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors/adverse effects , Chronic DiseaseABSTRACT
Mutations in the nuclear envelope (NE) protein lamin A/C (encoded by LMNA), cause a severe form of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) with early-onset life-threatening arrhythmias. However, molecular mechanisms underlying increased arrhythmogenesis in LMNA-related DCM (LMNA-DCM) remain largely unknown. Here we show that a frameshift mutation in LMNA causes abnormal Ca2+ handling, arrhythmias and disformed NE in LMNA-DCM patient-specific iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs). Mechanistically, lamin A interacts with sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) where mutant lamin A/C accelerates degradation of SIRT1, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) then activates the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)-ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2) pathway and aggravates the accumulation of SUN1 in mutant iPSC-CMs, contributing to arrhythmias and NE deformation, respectively. Taken together, the lamin A/C deficiency-mediated ROS disorder is revealed as central to LMNA-DCM development. Manipulation of impaired SIRT1 activity and excessive oxidative stress is a potential future therapeutic strategy for LMNA-DCM.
Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , Lamin Type A , Myocytes, Cardiac , Oxidative Stress , Reactive Oxygen Species , Sirtuin 1 , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/metabolism , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/pathology , Lamin Type A/metabolism , Lamin Type A/genetics , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells/metabolism , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Humans , Sirtuin 1/metabolism , Sirtuin 1/genetics , Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism , Myocytes, Cardiac/pathology , Phenotype , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/metabolism , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/genetics , Arrhythmias, Cardiac/pathology , Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2/metabolism , Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2/genetics , Frameshift Mutation , Calcium/metabolism , Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel/metabolism , Ryanodine Receptor Calcium Release Channel/genetics , Nuclear Envelope/metabolism , Mitochondria/metabolism , Male , Microtubule-Associated Proteins/metabolism , Microtubule-Associated Proteins/geneticsABSTRACT
High-proportion spliced-in titin truncating variants (hiPSI TTNtvs) have been associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and heart failure in individuals of European ancestry1. However, similar data in individuals of African ancestry are lacking. Here we examined the association of hiPSI TTNtvs with atrial fibrillation, DCM and heart failure in individuals of African ancestry using data from the All of Us Research Program. Among 38,154 individuals of African ancestry, 169 (0.4%) individuals carried a hiPSI TTNtv. hiPSI TTNtv carriers were at a higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation (adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj) 2.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52-3.85), DCM (HRadj 2.82, 95% CI 1.81-4.39) and heart failure (HRadj 2.07, 95% CI 1.43-3.00) compared with noncarriers. The association of hiPSI TTNtvs with atrial fibrillation, DCM and heart failure was similar in individuals of African ancestry and those of European ancestry. Therefore, genetic testing for hiPSI TTNtvs may permit early identification of carriers and support preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of heart failure development both in individuals of European ancestry and in individuals of African ancestry.
Subject(s)
Atrial Fibrillation , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Connectin , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Heart Failure , Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Atrial Fibrillation/genetics , Black or African American/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/ethnology , Connectin/genetics , Heart Failure/genetics , Heart Failure/ethnology , Phenotype , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors , RNA Splicing , United States/epidemiology , White/geneticsABSTRACT
Heart failure affects millions of people worldwide, with men exhibiting a higher incidence than women. Our previous work has shown that mosaic loss of the Y chromosome (LOY) in leukocytes is causally associated with an increased risk for heart failure. Here, we show that LOY macrophages from the failing hearts of humans with dilated cardiomyopathy exhibit widespread changes in gene expression that correlate with cardiac fibroblast activation. Moreover, we identify the ubiquitously transcribed t et ratricopeptide Y-linked (Uty) gene in leukocytes as a causal locus for an accelerated progression of heart failure in male mice with LOY. We demonstrate that Uty disruption leads to epigenetic alterations in both monocytes and macrophages, increasing the propensity of differentiation into profibrotic macrophages. Treatment with a transforming growth factor-ß-neutralizing antibody prevented the cardiac pathology associated with Uty deficiency in leukocytes. These findings shed light on the mechanisms that contribute to the higher incidence of heart failure in men.
Subject(s)
Chromosomes, Human, Y , Epigenesis, Genetic , Heart Failure , Animals , Male , Heart Failure/genetics , Heart Failure/pathology , Humans , Chromosomes, Human, Y/genetics , Fibrosis/genetics , Fibrosis/pathology , Macrophages/metabolism , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/pathology , Disease Models, Animal , Mice , Female , Phenotype , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Cells, Cultured , Mice, KnockoutABSTRACT
Atrial fibrillation (AF) remains challenging to prevent and treat. A key feature of AF is atrial enlargement. However, not all atrial enlargement progresses to AF. Atrial enlargement in response to physiological stimuli such as exercise is typically benign and reversible. Understanding the differences in atrial function and molecular profile underpinning pathological and physiological atrial remodelling will be critical for identifying new strategies for AF. The discovery of molecular mechanisms responsible for pathological and physiological ventricular hypertrophy has uncovered new drug targets for heart failure. Studies in the atria have been limited in comparison. Here, we characterised mouse atria from (1) a pathological model (cardiomyocyte-specific transgenic (Tg) that develops dilated cardiomyopathy [DCM] and AF due to reduced protective signalling [PI3K]; DCM-dnPI3K), and (2) a physiological model (cardiomyocyte-specific Tg with an enlarged heart due to increased insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor; IGF1R). Both models presented with an increase in atrial mass, but displayed distinct functional, cellular, histological and molecular phenotypes. Atrial enlargement in the DCM-dnPI3K Tg, but not IGF1R Tg, was associated with atrial dysfunction, fibrosis and a heart failure gene expression pattern. Atrial proteomics identified protein networks related to cardiac contractility, sarcomere assembly, metabolism, mitochondria, and extracellular matrix which were differentially regulated in the models; many co-identified in atrial proteomics data sets from human AF. In summary, physiological and pathological atrial enlargement are associated with distinct features, and the proteomic dataset provides a resource to study potential new regulators of atrial biology and function, drug targets and biomarkers for AF.
Subject(s)
Atrial Fibrillation , Atrial Remodeling , Heart Atria , Mice, Transgenic , Myocytes, Cardiac , Atrial Fibrillation/physiopathology , Atrial Fibrillation/metabolism , Atrial Fibrillation/genetics , Animals , Heart Atria/metabolism , Heart Atria/physiopathology , Heart Atria/pathology , Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism , Myocytes, Cardiac/pathology , Receptor, IGF Type 1/metabolism , Receptor, IGF Type 1/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/physiopathology , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/metabolism , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/pathology , Disease Models, Animal , Fibrosis , Mice , Humans , Signal Transduction , Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism , Heart Failure/physiopathology , Heart Failure/genetics , Heart Failure/metabolism , Heart Failure/pathologyABSTRACT
AIMS: This study aimed to assess the practicality of using a stepwise pedigree-based approach to differentiate between familial and sporadic Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), while also considering timing of the genetic analysis. The analysis includes an examination of the extent to which complete family investigations were conducted in real-world scenarios as well as the length of the investigation. METHODS: The stepwise pedigree approach involved conducting a comprehensive family history spanning 3 to 4 generations, reviewing medical records of relatives, and conducting clinical screening using echocardiography and electrocardiogram on first-degree relatives. Familial DCM was diagnosed when at least 2 family members were found to have DCM, and genetic analysis was considered as an option. This study involved a manual review of all DCM investigations conducted at the Centre of Cardiovascular Genetics at Umeå University Hospital, where the stepwise pedigree approach has been employed since 2007. RESULTS: The investigation process had a mean duration of 643 days (95% CI 560.5-724.9). Of the investigations preformed, 94 (68%) were complete, 12 (9%) were ongoing, and 33 (24%) were prematurely terminated and thus incomplete. At the conclusion of the investigations, 55 cases (43%) were classified as familial DCM, 50 (39%) as sporadic DCM, and 22 (18%) remained unassessed due to incomplete pedigrees. Among the familial cases, genetic verification was achieved in 40%. CONCLUSION: The stepwise pedigree approach is time consuming, and the investigations are often incomplete which may suggest that a more direct approach to genetic analysis, may be warranted.
Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Genetic Testing , Heredity , Pedigree , Phenotype , Predictive Value of Tests , Humans , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Adult , Echocardiography , Medical History Taking , Electrocardiography , Time Factors , Aged , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Mitochondria play a crucial role in adapting to fluctuating energy demands, particularly in various heart diseases. This study investigates mitochondrial morphology near intercalated discs in left ventricular (LV) heart tissues, comparing samples from patients with sinus rhythm (SR), atrial fibrillation (AF), dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM). METHODS: Transmission electron microscopy was used to analyze mitochondria within 0-3.5 µm and 3.5-7 µm of intercalated discs in 9 SR, 10 AF, 9 DCM, and 8 ICM patient samples. Parameters included mean size in µm2 and elongation, count, percental mitochondrial area in the measuring frame, and a conglomeration score. RESULTS: AF patients exhibited higher counts of small mitochondria in the LV myocardium, resembling SR. DCM and ICM groups had fewer, larger, and often hydropic mitochondria. Accumulation rates and percental mitochondrial area were similar across groups. Significant positive correlations existed between other defects/size and hydropic mitochondria and between count/area and conglomeration score, while negative correlations between count and size/other defects and between hydropic mitochondria and count could be seen as well. CONCLUSION: Mitochondrial parameters in the LV myocardium of AF patients were similar to those of SR patients, while DCM and ICM displayed distinct changes, including a decrease in number, an increase in size, and compromised mitochondrial morphology. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the pathophysiological role of mitochondrial morphology in different heart diseases, providing deeper insights into potential therapeutic targets and interventions.
Subject(s)
Mitochondria, Heart , Humans , Male , Female , Pilot Projects , Middle Aged , Aged , Mitochondria, Heart/metabolism , Mitochondria, Heart/ultrastructure , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/pathology , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/metabolism , Heart Diseases/metabolism , Heart Diseases/pathology , Microscopy, Electron, Transmission , Adult , Heart Ventricles/pathology , Heart Ventricles/metabolism , Heart Ventricles/ultrastructure , Atrial Fibrillation/metabolism , Atrial Fibrillation/pathology , Atrial Fibrillation/physiopathology , Myocardium/metabolism , Myocardium/pathology , Myocardium/ultrastructureABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: This paper was performed to decipher the serum microRNA (miR)-125b-5p expression in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) combined with heart failure (HF) and its effect on myocardial fibrosis. METHODS: Serum miR-125b-5p expression, LVEDD, LVESD, LVEF, LVFS, and NT-proBNP levels were evaluated in clinical samples. A rat DCM model was established by continuous intraperitoneal injection of adriamycin and treated with miR-125b-5p agomir and its negative control. Cardiac function, serum TNF-α, hs-CRP, and NT-proBNP levels, pathological changes in myocardial tissues, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and the expression levels of miR-125b-5p and fibrosis-related factors were detected in rats. RESULTS: In comparison to the control group, the case group had higher levels of LVEDD, LVESD, and NT-pro-BNP, and lower levels of LVEF, LVFS, and miR-125b-5p expression levels. Overexpression of miR-125b-5p effectively led to the improvement of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and collagen arrangement disorder in DCM rats, the reduction of blue-stained collagen fibers in the interstitial myocardium, the reduction of the levels of TNF-α, hs-CRP, and NT-proBNP and the expression levels of TGF-1ß, Collagen I, and α-SMA, and the reduction of the number of apoptosis in cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of miR-125b-5p is effective in ameliorating myocardial fibrosis.
Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Heart Failure , MicroRNAs , Myocardium , Ventricular Function, Left , Adult , Aged , Animals , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/blood , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/pathology , Case-Control Studies , Circulating MicroRNA/blood , Circulating MicroRNA/genetics , Disease Models, Animal , Fibrosis , Heart Failure/blood , Heart Failure/genetics , Heart Failure/metabolism , Heart Failure/pathology , MicroRNAs/blood , MicroRNAs/genetics , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Myocardium/pathology , Myocardium/metabolism , Myocytes, Cardiac/pathology , Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism , Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/blood , Natriuretic Peptide, Brain/genetics , Peptide Fragments/blood , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Stroke Volume , Ventricular RemodelingABSTRACT
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) causes heart failure and sudden death. Epigenetics is crucial in cardiomyopathy susceptibility and progression; however, the relationship between epigenetics, particularly DNA methylation, and DCM remains unknown. Therefore, this study identified aberrantly methylated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with DCM using bioinformatics analysis and characterized their clinical utility in DCM. DNA methylation expression profiles and transcriptome data from public datasets of human DCM and healthy control cardiac tissues were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus public datasets. Then an epigenome-wide association study was performed. DEGs were identified in both DCM and healthy control cardiac tissues. In total, 3,353 cytosine-guanine dinucleotide sites annotated to 2,818 mRNAs were identified, and 479 DCM-related genes were identified. Subsequently, core genes were screened using logistic, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, random forest, and support vector machine analyses. The overlapping of these genes resulted in DEGs with abnormal methylation patterns. Cross-tabulation analysis identified 8 DEGs with abnormal methylation. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction confirmed the expression of aberrantly methylated DEGs in mice. In DCM murine cardiac tissues, the expressions of SLC16A9, SNCA, PDE5A, FNDC1, and HTRA1 were higher compared to normal murine cardiac tissues. Moreover, logistic regression model associated with aberrantly methylated DEGs was developed to evaluate the diagnostic value, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.949, indicating that the diagnostic model could reliably distinguish DCM from non-DCM samples. In summary, our study identified 5 DEGs through integrated bioinformatic analysis and in vivo experiments, which could serve as potential targets for further comprehensive investigation.
Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Computational Biology , DNA Methylation , Gene Expression Profiling , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , DNA Methylation/genetics , Humans , Animals , Mice , Epigenesis, Genetic , Transcriptome/genetics , Male , Gene Expression Regulation/geneticsABSTRACT
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left or biventricular dilatation. We evaluated sex-specific associations of circulating proteins and metabolites with structural and functional heart parameters in DCM. Plasma samples (297 men, 71 women) were analyzed for proteins using Olink assays (targeted analysis) or LC-MS/MS (untargeted analysis), and for metabolites using LC MS/MS (Biocrates AbsoluteIDQ p180 Kit). Associations of proteins (n = 571) or metabolites (n = 163) with LVEF, measured left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDDmeasured), and the dilation percentage of LVEDD from the norm (LVEDDacc. to HENRY) were examined in combined and sex-specific regression models. To disclose protein-metabolite relations, correlation analyses were performed. Associations between proteins, metabolites and LVEF were restricted to men, while associations with LVEDD were absent in both sexes. Significant metabolites were validated in a second independent DCM cohort (93 men). Integrative analyses demonstrated close relations between altered proteins and metabolites involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction with declining LVEF, with kynurenine as the most prominent finding. In DCM, the loss of cardiac function was reflected by circulating proteins and metabolites with sex-specific differences. Our integrative approach demonstrated that concurrently assessing specific proteins and metabolites might help us to gain insights into the alterations associated with DCM.
Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Humans , Male , Female , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/blood , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/metabolism , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/physiopathology , Middle Aged , Sex Characteristics , Aged , Ventricular Function, Left , Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods , Blood Proteins/metabolism , Adult , Stroke Volume , Biomarkers/blood , Sex Factors , MetabolomeABSTRACT
RagGTPases (Rags) play an essential role in the regulation of cell metabolism by controlling the activities of both mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and Transcription factor EB (TFEB). Several diseases, herein named ragopathies, are associated to Rags dysfunction. These diseases may be caused by mutations either in genes encoding the Rags, or in their upstream regulators. The resulting phenotypes may encompass a variety of clinical features such as cataract, kidney tubulopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy and several types of cancer. In this review, we focus on the key clinical, molecular and physio-pathological features of ragopathies, aiming to shed light on their underlying mechanisms.
Subject(s)
Mutation , Humans , Neoplasms/genetics , Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasms/metabolism , Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1/metabolism , Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1/genetics , Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/metabolism , Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Leucine Zipper Transcription Factors/genetics , Animals , Cataract/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/geneticsABSTRACT
Research advances over the past 30 years have confirmed a critical role for genetics in the etiology of dilated cardiomyopathies (DCMs). However, full knowledge of the genetic architecture of DCM remains incomplete. We identified candidate DCM causal gene, C10orf71, in a large family with 8 patients with DCM by whole-exome sequencing. Four loss-of-function variants of C10orf71 were subsequently identified in an additional group of492 patients with sporadic DCM from 2 independent cohorts. C10orf71 was found to be an intrinsically disordered protein specifically expressed in cardiomyocytes. C10orf71-KO mice had abnormal heart morphogenesis during embryonic development and cardiac dysfunction as adults with altered expression and splicing of contractile cardiac genes. C10orf71-null cardiomyocytes exhibited impaired contractile function with unaffected sarcomere structure. Cardiomyocytes and heart organoids derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells with C10orf71 frameshift variants also had contractile defects with normal electrophysiological activity. A rescue study using a cardiac myosin activator, omecamtiv mecarbil, restored contractile function in C10orf71-KO mice. These data support C10orf71 as a causal gene for DCM by contributing to the contractile function of cardiomyocytes. Mutation-specific pathophysiology may suggest therapeutic targets and more individualized therapy.
Subject(s)
Cardiomyopathy, Dilated , Frameshift Mutation , Mice, Knockout , Myocytes, Cardiac , Organoids , Adult , Animals , Female , Humans , Male , Mice , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/genetics , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/pathology , Cardiomyopathy, Dilated/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Myocardial Contraction/genetics , Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism , Myocytes, Cardiac/pathology , Organoids/metabolism , Organoids/pathologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: LMNA (lamin A/C)-related dilated cardiomyopathy is a rare genetic cause of heart failure. In a phase 2 trial and long-term extension, the selective p38α MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) inhibitor, ARRY-371797 (PF-07265803), was associated with an improved 6-minute walk test at 12 weeks, which was preserved over 144 weeks. METHODS: REALM-DCM (NCT03439514) was a phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in patients with symptomatic LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy. Patients with confirmed LMNA variants, New York Heart Association class II/III symptoms, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤50%, implanted cardioverter-defibrillator, and reduced 6-minute walk test distance were randomized to ARRY-371797 400 mg twice daily or placebo. The primary outcome was a change from baseline at week 24 in the 6-minute walk test distance using stratified Hodges-Lehmann estimation and the van Elteren test. Secondary outcomes using similar methodology included change from baseline at week 24 in the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-physical limitation and total symptom scores, and NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) concentration. Time to a composite outcome of worsening heart failure or all-cause mortality and overall survival were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses. RESULTS: REALM-DCM was terminated after a planned interim analysis suggested futility. Between April 2018 and October 2022, 77 patients (aged 23-72 years) received ARRY-371797 (n=40) or placebo (n=37). No significant differences (P>0.05) between groups were observed in the change from baseline at week 24 for all outcomes: 6-minute walk test distance (median difference, 4.9 m [95% CI, -24.2 to 34.1]; P=0.82); Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-physical limitation score (2.4 [95% CI, -6.4 to 11.2]; P=0.54); Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-total symptom score (5.3 [95% CI, -4.3 to 14.9]; P=0.48); and NT-proBNP concentration (-339.4 pg/mL [95% CI, -1131.6 to 452.7]; P=0.17). The composite outcome of worsening heart failure or all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.11-1.74]; P=0.23) and overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.19 [95% CI, 0.23-6.02]; P=0.84) were similar between groups. No new safety findings were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from REALM-DCM demonstrated futility without safety concerns. An unmet treatment need remains among patients with LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy. REGISTRATION: URL: https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique Identifiers: NCT03439514, NCT02057341, and NCT02351856.