ISSN:
1573-7322
Keywords:
gene expression
;
heart failure
;
hypertrophy
;
cell signaling
;
E-C coupling
;
extracellular matrix
;
neurohormones
;
growth factors
;
cytokines
;
apoptosis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract With the advancement in molecular techniques for characterizing genes and the use of animal models as tools to study heart failure, considerable progress has been made in improving our understanding of the regulation and function of genes associated with heart failure. Studies now indicate that autocrine/paracrine factors including neurohormones such as norepinephrine, angiotensin II, proinflammatory cytokines and peptide growth factors produced locally in the heart may affect myocyte growth and function through intricate signaling mechanisms. While changes in gene expression for the proteins involved in cell signaling may lead to myocyte hypertrophy and/or apoptosis, alteration in calcium homeostasis, excitation-contraction coupling and the extracellular matrix also contribute to systolic and diastolic dysfunction leading to heart failure. Thus, heart failure is a complex process, which involves changes in expression of multiple genes. With the advent of new techniques involving microarray and gene chip technology, it is now possible to define and/or identify sets of genes involved in heart failure. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of molecular signals, intracellular signaling mechanisms and the changes in gene expression associated with the transition from compensated hypertrophy to failure.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1009855720081
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