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Published on: August 8, 2022
Genomic Insights into Cardiomyopathies: A Comparative Cross-Species Review
Siobhan Simpson1, Paul Rutland2, Catrin Sian Rutland3
1Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, The University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK. Siobhan.simpson@nottingham.ac.uk.
Insights
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death. This review compares cardiomyopathies in humans and animals, identifying genetic links and suggesting improved diagnostics and breeding programs for better cardiac care.
Area of Science:
- Comparative medicine
- Genetics
- Cardiology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of non-communicable death globally.
- Annual deaths from cardiovascular disease are projected to exceed 20 million by 2030.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare cardiomyopathies in human and non-human animal populations.
- To identify genetic associations for cardiomyopathies across species.
- To explore interspecies benefits for advancing cardiac medicine.
Main Methods:
- Literature review comparing human and animal cardiomyopathies.
- Analysis of genetic associations in various species.
- Synthesis of findings for translational medical applications.
Main Results:
- Identified genetic links for cardiomyopathies in both humans and diverse animal models.
- Highlighted species-specific differences and commonalities in cardiac disease.
Conclusions:
- Animal models offer valuable insights for human cardiac disease research.
- Human genomic data can advance veterinary cardiology.
- Recommendations include enhanced screening, genetic testing, and breeding programs for non-human animals.
Abstract:
In the global human population, the leading cause of non-communicable death is cardiovascular disease. It is predicted that by 2030, deaths attributable to cardiovascular disease will have risen to over 20 million per year. This review compares the cardiomyopathies in both human and non-human animals and identifies the genetic associations for each disorder in each species/taxonomic group. Despite differences between species, advances in human medicine can be gained by utilising animal models of cardiac disease; likewise, gains can be made in animal medicine from human genomic insights. Advances could include undertaking regular clinical checks in individuals susceptible to cardiomyopathy, genetic testing prior to breeding, and careful administration of breeding programmes (in non-human animals), further development of treatment regimes, and drugs and diagnostic techniques.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Animal Mitochondrial Genetics
Pathophysiology of Cardiac Performance

