Protective transcriptional mechanisms in cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brand, Cameron S.; Lighthouse, Janet K.; Trembley, Michael A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology. Volume 132(2019)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Cardioprotection -- cardiomyocyte -- cardiac fibroblast -- transcription -- exercise; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Heart Diseases -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Cardiologie -- Périodiques; Cardiology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2019.04.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2828

Abstract

Abstract: Heart failure is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several lines of evidence suggest that physical activity and exercise can pre-condition the heart to improve the response to acute cardiac injury such as myocardial infarction or ischemia/reperfusion injury, preventing the progression to heart failure. It is becoming more apparent that cardioprotection is a concerted effort between multiple cell types and converging signaling pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms of cardioprotection are not completely understood. What is clear is that the mechanisms underlying this protection involve acute activation of transcriptional activators and their corresponding gene expression programs. Here, we review the known stress-dependent transcriptional programs that are activated in cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts to preserve function in the adult heart after injury. Focus is given to prominent transcriptional pathways such as mechanical stress or reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent activation of myocardin-related transcription factors (MRTFs) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), and gene expression that positively regulates protective PI3K/Akt signaling. Together, these pathways modulate both beneficial and pathological responses to cardiac injury in a cell-specific manner.