LncRNA SOX2OT Mediates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Septic Cardiomyopathy

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Mitochondrial dysfunction is critical in septic cardiomyopathy.
• Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in various cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of lncRNA SOX2 overlapping transcript (SOX2OT) in septic cardiomyopathy-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
• To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting SOX2OT.

Main Methods:

• Assessed SOX2OT expression in septic hearts and cardiomyocytes.
• Utilized lncRNA knockdown and overexpression models in mice and cardiomyocytes.
• Evaluated cardiac function, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

Main Results:

• SOX2OT was significantly overexpressed in septic hearts and cardiomyocytes.
• Knockdown of SOX2OT ameliorated cardiac dysfunction and improved mitochondrial membrane potential in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis.
• SOX2OT overexpression worsened these parameters.
• SOX2OT regulated mitochondrial dysfunction by inhibiting SOX2 expression.

Conclusions:

• SOX2OT promotes mitochondrial dysfunction in septic cardiomyopathy by suppressing SOX2.
• Targeting SOX2OT presents a novel therapeutic strategy for septic cardiomyopathy.