Axin2 depletion in macrophages alleviated senescence and increased immune response after myocardial infarction

Yue Zheng1,2,3,4,5,6, Yuchao Wang1,2,3,4,5,6, Bingcai Qi7,4,5,6

  • 1School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.

Abstract

Insights

Targeting Axin2 in macrophages improves cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (MI). Depleting Axin2 reduces cell senescence and enhances lymphatic vessel formation, offering a new therapeutic approach for heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical research
  • Cardiovascular science
  • Cell biology

Background:

  • Myocardial infarction (MI) remains a leading cause of mortality, with limited therapeutic options for cardiac repair.
  • Macrophage-mediated inflammation and senescence play critical roles in post-MI cardiac dysfunction.
  • The role of Axin2 in regulating macrophage function and cardiac healing after MI is not well understood.

Discussion:

  • Axin2 deficiency in macrophages promotes cardiac repair post-MI by enhancing lymphangiogenesis and reducing interstitial edema.
  • In vitro studies demonstrate that Axin2 depletion in hypoxic macrophages reduces cellular senescence and modulates inflammatory signaling (IL6).
  • Reduced senescent macrophages were observed in human tissues from patients with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and lower Axin2 expression.

Key Insights:

  • Conditional knockout of Axin2 in macrophages significantly improves cardiac function and repair following MI.
  • Axin2 depletion in macrophages leads to reduced cellular senescence and increased IL6 expression under hypoxic conditions.
  • Axin2 plays a crucial role in regulating macrophage senescence and lymphatic vessel development in the context of cardiac injury.

Outlook:

  • Targeting Axin2 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for mitigating cell senescence and promoting cardiac lymphatic regeneration post-MI.
  • Further research into Axin2-mediated pathways could uncover novel interventions for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Translational studies are warranted to explore the clinical efficacy of modulating Axin2 in patients with heart conditions.