Analysis of the Serum Peptidomics Profile for Cats With Sarcomeric Gene Mutation and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Genetics
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats presents a complex phenotype influenced by genetic factors.
• Serum peptidome profiling offers a novel approach for identifying disease-specific biomarkers.
• Understanding genetic contributions is crucial for managing feline HCM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To differentiate peptide patterns in serum samples from cats with sarcomeric gene mutations versus healthy cats.
• To identify specific peptide biomarkers associated with HCM-related genetic mutations in felines.
• To explore the potential of peptidomics in understanding HCM pathogenesis in cats.

Main Methods:

• Serum samples from 31 cats were analyzed using peptidomics.
• Differential expression analysis was performed on 5,946 identified peptides.
• Peptide patterns were compared between cats with and without sarcomeric gene mutations.

Main Results:

• Distinct protein expression profiles were observed in control, Maine Coon, and genetically mutated Maine Coon cats.
• Three peptides—Cytochrome 3a132 (CYP3A132), forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), and ArfGAP, with GTPase domains, ankyrin repeats, and PH domain 2 (AGAP2)—were significantly associated with gene mutations.
• These peptides may serve as potential indicators of HCM in affected cats.

Conclusions:

• The serum peptidome in cats with HCM mutations suggests dysregulation of metabolic and structural proteins.
• Integrating genetic and peptidomics data can illuminate HCM phenotypic variability.
• This research may lead to improved treatment targets for reducing HCM morbidity and mortality in cats.