Work

Toward transcriptional therapies for the failing heart: chemical screens to modulate genes

Year: 2005

Type: review

Abstract: In response to acute and chronic stresses, the heart frequently undergoes a remodeling process that is accompanied by myocyte hypertrophy, impaired contractility, and pump failure, often culminating in sudden death. The existence of redundant signaling pathways that trigger heart failure poses challenges for therapeutic intervention. Cardiac remodeling is associated with the activation of a pathological gene program that weakens cardiac performance. Thus, targeting the disease process at the level of gene expression represents a potentially powerful therapeutic approach. In this review, we describe strategies for normalizing gene expression in the failing heart with small molecules that control signal transduction pathways directed at transcription factors and associated chromatin-modifying enzymes.

Source: Journal of Clinical Investigation

DOI: 10.1172/jci24144

Authors: Timothy A. McKinsey, Eric N. Olson

Institutions: Westminster City Council, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Cardiac Fibrosis and Remodeling

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Welch Foundation, National Institutes of Health