Transcriptomic dynamics of cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Myocardial infarction (MI) triggers cardiac remodeling and heart failure.
• Previous studies focused on discrete timepoints, limiting understanding of dynamic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a comprehensive temporal map of gene expression changes post-MI.
• To identify distinct molecular pathways and potential therapeutic windows.

Main Methods:

• Integrated two mouse RNA-sequencing datasets from 10 minutes to 28 days post-MI.
• Utilized clustering, functional enrichment, and network analysis to define gene expression modules.

Main Results:

• Identified nine gene expression clusters, including immune activation, ECM remodeling, mitochondrial dysfunction, and circadian rhythm disruption.
• Immune signatures peaked within 72 hours; fibrosis dominated days 3-7 and persisted to day 28.
• Mitochondrial and circadian rhythm dysfunction were observed up to day 28.

Conclusions:

• Distinct temporal gene expression patterns emerge following MI.
• This temporal map provides a molecular basis for developing time-sensitive therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolism.