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Irisin regulates cardiac physiology in zebrafish.
Lakshminarasimhan Sundarrajan1, Chanel Yeung1, Logan Hahn1
1Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Plos One
|August 4, 2017
Summary
Irisin, a muscle-secreted protein, enhances cardiac function and regulates muscle proteins in zebrafish. It influences key genes involved in muscle growth and cardiac performance, highlighting its role in cardiovascular physiology.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Muscle Biology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Irisin is a myokine derived from the FNDC5 precursor, secreted by cardiac and skeletal muscle.
- Irisin secretion is activated by PGC-1 alpha, a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis.
- Its role in cardiovascular function and muscle protein regulation requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of irisin in zebrafish cardiac and skeletal muscle.
- To determine the effects of irisin on cardiac function and cardiovascular parameters.
- To identify irisin's impact on the expression of key muscle proteins.
Main Methods:
- Western blot analysis to detect irisin protein in zebrafish tissues.
- siRNA-mediated knockdown to assess irisin's functional role.
- In vitro and in vivo studies using exogenous irisin administration and knockdown.
- Quantitative PCR to analyze mRNA expression of target genes.
Main Results:
- Irisin protein was detected in zebrafish heart and skeletal muscle.
- Exogenous irisin improved cardiac function (increased heart rate, cardiac output, diastolic volume).
- Irisin modulated the expression of PGC-1 alpha, myostatin, troponin C, and troponin T2D.
Conclusions:
- Irisin plays a significant role in modulating cardiovascular physiology in zebrafish.
- Muscle proteins such as PGC-1 alpha, myostatin, troponin C, and troponin T2D are novel targets of irisin.
- Irisin's effects on these proteins suggest a broader role in muscle health and cardiac performance.
