Follistatin-like 1 and its paralogs in heart development and cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global cause of death.
• There is a critical need for novel cardiokines to protect the heart.
• Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) is a cardiokine expressed in the heart, released into serum after injury, and linked to CVD outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the literature on FSTL1 and its homologs.
• To understand the role of FSTL1 in normal heart physiology and CVD.
• To evaluate FSTL1's potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic agent.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of FSTL1 research in cardiovascular disease models.
• Analysis of studies on FSTL1's tissue expression and post-translational modifications.
• Synthesis of data on FSTL1's effects, including anti-inflammation, anti-remodeling, anti-fibrosis, angiogenesis, and hypertrophy.

Main Results:

• FSTL1 is implicated in various protective mechanisms in heart disease models.
• Its effects are dependent on tissue source and cell-specific post-translational modifications.
• Extensive animal studies over 15 years highlight FSTL1's predominantly protective role.

Conclusions:

• FSTL1 exhibits significant protective functions in the heart.
• Further understanding of FSTL1 and its homologs is essential.
• FSTL1 holds potential as a biomarker for predicting poor CVD outcomes and as a therapeutic target.