Signalling pathways linking cysteine cathepsins to adverse cardiac remodelling

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Medicine
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Adverse cardiac remodelling involves detrimental changes in heart size, mass, geometry, and function.
• These alterations, including ventricular dysfunction and chamber dilation, predict progression to heart failure and poor prognosis.
• Cysteine cathepsins are implicated in key pathways of cardiac remodelling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of cysteine cathepsins in signalling pathways driving adverse cardiac remodelling.
• To explore the translational potential of cathepsins as therapeutic targets in cardiac disease.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on cysteine cathepsins and cardiac remodelling.
• Analysis of signalling pathways involving extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis/degradation, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, contractility, and apoptosis.
• Evaluation of therapeutic potential of targeting cathepsins.

Main Results:

• Cysteine cathepsins modulate ECM turnover, cardiomyocyte size, contractility, and cell death.
• These enzymes are integral to the molecular mechanisms underlying adverse cardiac remodelling.
• Evidence suggests cathepsins are viable targets for therapeutic intervention.

Conclusions:

• Cysteine cathepsins play a critical role in the pathogenesis of adverse cardiac remodelling.
• Targeting cysteine cathepsins presents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing cardiac disease and preventing heart failure.