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Abnormalities in Alternative Splicing of Apoptotic Genes and Cardiovascular Diseases

Zodwa Dlamini1, Shonisani C Tshidino2, Rodney Hull3

  • 1Research, Innovation and Engagements, Mangosuthu University of Technology, Durban 4026, South Africa. dlaminiz@mut.ac.za.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|November 19, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Alternative splicing of apoptotic genes is crucial in heart disease development and progression. Aberrant splicing offers potential diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Apoptosis is vital for heart development and implicated in heart disease.
  • Alternative splicing of apoptotic genes is an emerging area for cardiac disease research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of aberrant alternative splicing of apoptotic genes in cardiac disorders.
  • To highlight the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of alternative splicing in heart disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on alternative splicing in apoptosis and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Analysis of Bcl-2 family alternative splicing and its functional implications.
  • Examination of altered transcript levels in diseased versus healthy hearts.

Main Results:

  • Alternative splicing of apoptotic genes, particularly Bcl-2 family members, is increased in cardiovascular diseases.
  • Alternatively spliced isoforms can inhibit pro-apoptotic functions, contributing to disease pathology.
  • Elevated alternate transcripts serve as potential diagnostic and prognostic indicators.

Conclusions:

  • Abnormal alternative splicing of apoptotic genes is implicated in cardiomyopathy, ischemia, and heart failure.
  • These splicing events can be causative or adaptive responses to cardiac pathology.
  • Targeting disease-related splicing events presents a promising therapeutic strategy for heart disease.
Keywords:
Bcl-2Bnip3NixPUMAalternative splicingapoptosiscardiomyopathiestherapeutic strategies for targeting heart disease associated abnormal splicing

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