Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 15, 2025

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix
10:21

Scanning Electron Microscopy of Macerated Tissue to Visualize the Extracellular Matrix

Published on: June 14, 2016

10.2K

Desmin disorganisation: A key feature in feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Wan-Ching Cheng1, Charlotte Lawson2, Lois Wilkie1

  • 1Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom.

Plos One
|July 14, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats shows similar subcellular changes as in humans, including protein aggregates and disorganization of cardiomyocyte connections. This suggests a shared cellular response to HCM across species.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Pathology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is histologically defined by increased ventricular wall thickness and myocyte disarray.
  • Subcellular alterations in human and rodent HCM involve the intermediate filament cytoskeleton (desmin) and proteins crucial for cardiomyocyte connections (beta-catenin, connexin-43).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if similar subcellular alterations observed in human and rodent HCM are present in feline HCM samples.
  • To compare the expression and organization of desmin, αB-crystallin, beta-catenin, and connexin-43 in feline HCM.

Main Methods:

  • Histological examination of feline HCM samples.
  • Immunohistochemistry and protein expression analysis to detect desmin, αB-crystallin, beta-catenin, and connexin-43.

Main Results:

  • Feline HCM samples exhibit prominent desmin and αB-crystallin aggregates with increased protein expression.
  • Disorganization of beta-catenin and connexin-43 was observed, with aberrant signals at the lateral cardiomyocyte surfaces.
  • These findings indicate subcellular changes analogous to those seen in human and rodent HCM.

Conclusions:

  • The subcellular response in cardiomyocytes to HCM is conserved between cats and humans.
  • This study highlights shared pathological mechanisms of HCM across species.
  • Findings may inform comparative approaches to HCM research and treatment.

More Related Videos

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model03:45

Investigating the Pathogenesis of MYH7 Mutation Gly823Glu in Familial Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy using a Mouse Model

Published on: August 8, 2022

3.7K
An Approach to Study Shape-Dependent Transcriptomics at a Single Cell Level06:02

An Approach to Study Shape-Dependent Transcriptomics at a Single Cell Level

Published on: November 2, 2020

5.8K

Related Concept Videos

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...
54
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,...
24
Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification01:25

Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification

Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
65
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
46
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
36
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...
37