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Meteorin-like/Meteorin-β protects heart against cardiac dysfunction
Celia Rupérez1,2, Gemma Ferrer-Curriu1,2, Aina Cervera-Barea1,2
1Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Institut de Biomedicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|February 26, 2021
Summary
Meteorin-beta (Metrnl/Metrnβ), a muscle-secreted protein, protects the heart from hypertrophy and dysfunction. It acts directly on cardiac cells and serves as a novel heart failure biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Meteorin-like/Meteorin-β (Metrnl/Metrnβ) is a secreted protein from skeletal muscle and adipose tissue with known metabolic benefits.
- The function of Metrnl/Metrnβ in cardiac disease remains unexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Metrnl/Metrnβ in cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction.
- To determine if Metrnl/Metrnβ could serve as a biomarker for heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Metrnl/Metrnβ-null mice and adeno-associated virus-mediated overexpression models.
- Induced cardiac hypertrophy using isoproterenol and aging models.
- Performed in vitro studies on cardiomyocytes, including antibody-mediated blockage.
- Analyzed circulating Metrnl/Metrnβ levels in a large patient cohort.
Main Results:
- Metrnl/Metrnβ-null mice showed exacerbated cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction.
- Cardiac-specific Metrnl/Metrnβ overexpression prevented cardiac remodeling.
- Metrnl/Metrnβ directly inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in vitro, suggesting autocrine and endocrine actions.
- Elevated circulating Metrnl/Metrnβ levels were identified as a new, independent prognostic biomarker for heart failure.
Conclusions:
- Metrnl/Metrnβ plays a protective role against cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction.
- Metrnl/Metrnβ exhibits both autocrine and endocrine effects on the heart.
- Circulating Metrnl/Metrnβ is a promising novel biomarker for heart failure prognosis.
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