Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 28, 2025

In Vitro Assessment of Cardiac Function Using Skinned Cardiomyocytes
08:19

In Vitro Assessment of Cardiac Function Using Skinned Cardiomyocytes

Published on: June 22, 2020

6.5K

Myostatin/AKT/FOXO Signaling Is Altered in Human Non-Ischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Lea Hildebrandt1, Maja-Theresa Dieterlen1, Kristin Klaeske1

  • 1Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, HELIOS Clinic, University Hospital Leipzig, 04289 Leipzig, Germany.

Life (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The myostatin/AKT/forkhead box O (FOXO) pathway is altered in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM) but not in ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). FOXO1 may be a therapeutic target for NIDCM by regulating muscle atrophy F-box gene (MAFbx) expression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ubiquitin proteasome system disturbances, particularly E3 ligase alterations, are implicated in cardiomyopathy pathogenesis and treatment.
  • The myostatin/AKT/forkhead box O (FOXO) pathway influences E3 ligases, including muscle atrophy F-box gene (MAFbx) and muscle ring-finger protein-1 (MuRF1).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate alterations in the myostatin/AKT/FOXO pathway in ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) and non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM).
  • To determine if the expression of myostatin, AKT, FOXO1, FOXO3, MAFbx, and MuRF1 differs between NIDCM, IDCM, and control groups.

Main Methods:

  • Quantification of mRNA and protein expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA.
  • Analysis of myocardial tissue from 26 IDCM patients, 23 NIDCM patients, and 17 control subjects (Morrow resection septal tissue).

Main Results:

  • In NIDCM patients, decreased mRNA and protein expression of MAFbx and FOXO1, decreased AKT mRNA, and decreased myostatin protein were observed compared to controls.
  • IDCM patients showed decreased AKT and MAFbx mRNA expression but no other significant differences compared to controls.
  • The myostatin/AKT/FOXO pathway was significantly altered in NIDCM but not in IDCM.

Conclusions:

  • The myostatin/AKT/FOXO pathway is dysregulated in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy.
  • FOXO1 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for managing MAFbx expression in NIDCM.
Keywords:
E3 ligasesFOXOMAFbxMuRF1cardiomyopathyheart failureprotein breakdown

More Related Videos

Isolation, Culture, and Functional Characterization of Adult Mouse Cardiomyoctyes12:49

Isolation, Culture, and Functional Characterization of Adult Mouse Cardiomyoctyes

Published on: September 24, 2013

24.6K
A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo05:14

A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo

Published on: May 16, 2020

4.8K

Related Concept Videos

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy01:30

Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
19
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
37
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
29