Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Christine M. Loescher, Anastasia J. Hobbach, Wolfgang A. Linke
Summary: This review provides an overview of the changes in cardiac titin properties at a molecular level, including the role isoform diversity and post-translational modifications play in regulating myocardial function, and discusses the importance of this regulation imbalance in heart disease.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yuanyuan Dai, Nadezda Ignatyeva, Hang Xu, Ruheen Wali, Karl Toischer, Soeren Brandenburg, Christof Lenz, Julius Pronto, Funsho E. Fakuade, Samuel Sossalla, Elisabeth M. Zeisberg, Andreas Janshoff, Ingo Kutschka, Niels Voigt, Henning Urlaub, Torsten Bloch Rasmussen, Jens Mogensen, Stephan E. Lehnart, Gerd Hasenfuss, Antje Ebert
Summary: This study identified impaired subcellular iron uptake mechanisms in cardiomyocytes of heart failure patients, which are independent of systemic iron metabolism. The defects in clathrin-mediated endocytosis and cargo transfer were found to be responsible for subcellular iron deficiency in dilated cardiomyopathy. Restoring the molecular pathway through genetic correction, peptide treatment, or iron supplementation rescued the dysfunction and improved contractility, indicating a potential treatment strategy for heart failure.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Karen Sliwa, Johann Bauersachs, Zolt Arany, Timothy F. Spracklen, Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner
Summary: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a global disease that should be suspected in peripartum women with symptoms of heart failure. Urgent cardiac investigations and referral to a cardiology team for expert management are crucial. Advances in genetics, pathophysiology, diagnostic approach, management, and outcome have been achieved in understanding PPCM.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Karen Sliwa, Johann Bauersachs, Zolt Arany, Timothy F. Spracklen, Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner
Summary: Peripartum cardiomyopathy is a globally occurring disease that should be suspected in women during the peripartum period. The disease has significant maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates, with nearly half of patients experiencing myocardial recovery. Team efforts and expert management are crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yasuhide Kuwabara, Allen J. York, Suh-Chin Lin, Michelle A. Sargent, Kelly M. Grimes, James P. Pirruccello, Jeffery D. Molkentin
Summary: We identified a variant in the FLII gene that is associated with cardiac remodeling in heart disease. Further studies showed that Flii protein binds to sarcomeric actin thin filament and affects its length. Deletion of Flii or introduction of the R1245H amino acid substitution in mice resulted in cardiomyopathy due to shortening of actin thin filaments. The FLII variant increases the risk of cardiomyopathy by altering sarcomere structure and contractile dynamics.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ramone Eldemire, Charles A. Tharp, Matthew R. G. Taylor, Orfeo Sbaizero, Luisa Mestroni
Summary: The giant protein titin plays a crucial role in the mechanical compliance of the heart muscle, with structural modifications affecting cardiac function and associated with heart failure. Current research focuses on understanding the biophysical properties of titin and how modifications contribute to heart function and failure. Future efforts should concentrate on innovative therapeutic approaches to modulate titin transcriptional and post-translational modifications.
CURRENT CARDIOLOGY REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Biology
Emil Brociek, Agata Tyminska, Andrea Silvio Giordani, Alida Linda Patrizia Caforio, Romuald Wojnicz, Marcin Grabowski, Krzysztof Ozieranski
Summary: Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium caused by infectious or non-infectious agents. It can lead to serious short-term and long-term sequalae, such as sudden cardiac death or dilated cardiomyopathy. This review aims to summarize the available evidence on the etiology and pathogenesis of myocarditis and its impact on disease course and patient management.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Sarah Abou Alaiwi, Thomas M. Roston, Peter Marstrand, Brian Lee Claggett, Victoria N. Parikh, Adam S. Helms, Jodie Ingles, Rachel Lampert, Neal K. Lakdawala, Michelle Michels, Anjali T. Owens, Joseph W. Rossano, Sara Saberi, Dominic J. Abrams, Euan A. Ashley, Christopher Semsarian, John C. Stendahl, James S. Ware, Erin Miller, Thomas D. Ryan, Mark W. Russell, Sharlene M. Day, Iacopo Olivotto, Christoffer R. Vissing, Carolyn Y. Y. Ho
Summary: A study on children diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) found that they have a higher risk of developing left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) compared to adult patients. This study highlights the importance of careful surveillance for LVSD in children with HCM, especially during their transition to adult care.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Avni Madhani, Natalia Sabogal, Daniel Massillon, Ludwine D. Paul, Carlos Rodriguez, Denise Fine, Stephen Helmke, Morgan Winburn, Damian Kurian, Farbod Raiszadeh, Sergio Teruya, Elizabeth Cohn, Andrew J. Einstein, Edward J. Miller, Lawreen H. Connors, Mathew S. Maurer, Frederick L. Ruberg
Summary: In this study, it was found that 3.4% of self-identified Black individuals carry the V122I variant, and 39% of them exhibit hereditary ATTR-CM. The study also suggests that serum prealbumin concentration may be helpful in diagnosing ATTR-CM in V122I carriers.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Giuseppina Mastrototaro, Pierluigi Carullo, Jianlin Zhang, Beatrice Scellini, Nicoletta Piroddi, Simona Nemska, Maria Carmela Filomena, Simone Serio, Carol A. Otey, Chiara Tesi, Fabian Emrich, Wolfgang A. Linke, Corrado Poggesi, Simona Boncompagni, Marie-Louise Bang, Nuno Guimaraes-Camboa
Summary: Palladin (PALLD) is a protein associated with actin and immunoglobulin in the heart. Its role in the heart has been unclear due to embryonic lethality in knockout mice. However, a study found that PALLD is necessary for normal cardiac function, as its deletion in adult mice led to cardiac abnormalities and dysfunction. Additionally, PALLD interacts with other proteins such as CARP/Ankrd1 and FHOD1. This research sheds light on the importance of PALLD in the heart.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Joshua Holmes, Madeleine Lemieux, Julian Stelzer
Summary: Detailed assessments of whole heart mechanics are crucial for understanding the consequences of sarcomere perturbations that lead to cardiomyopathy in mice. Echocardiography offers an accessible and cost-effective method of obtaining metrics of cardiac function, but routine imaging and analysis protocols may not identify subtle mechanical deficiencies. This study used advanced echocardiography imaging and analysis techniques to identify previously unrecognized mechanical deficiencies in a mouse model of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) before the onset of overt systolic heart failure (HF). The findings indicate that subtle deficiencies in left ventricular mechanics may act as pathogenic stimuli in DCM-linked HF.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-HEART AND CIRCULATORY PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ariane Biquand, Simone Spinozzi, Paola Tonino, Jeremie Cosette, Joshua Strom, Zaher Elbeck, Ralph Knoll, Henk Granzier, William Lostal, Isabelle Richard
Summary: The study investigated the role of the is7 insertion sequence in cardiac function, using a mouse model lacking the Ttn Mex5 exon. The findings showed that the absence of is7 is causative for dilated cardiomyopathy, leading to altered cardiac function, increased fibrosis, and abnormal expression of excitation-contraction coupling proteins. These results highlight the importance of the C-terminal region of titin in cardiac function and suggest a potential relationship between is7 and excitation-contraction coupling, providing new insights for the treatment of titinopathies.
JOURNAL OF CELL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Upasana Tayal, James S. Ware, Neal K. Lakdawala, Stephane Heymans, Sanjay K. Prasad
Summary: This review provides a practical primer for clinicians on the genetic basis of dilated cardiomyopathy, including the clinical relevance, key genetic concepts, which patients may benefit from genetic testing, common genetic tests performed, how to interpret genetic results, and the clinical applications. Areas for future research in this dynamic field are also discussed.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Upasana Tayal, James S. Ware, Neal K. Lakdawala, Stephane Heymans, Sanjay K. Prasad
Summary: This review provides a practical primer for clinicians on the genetic basis of dilated cardiomyopathy, introducing key concepts, explaining genetic testing, interpretation of results, and clinical applications, as well as highlighting areas for future research in this field.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Nicholas A. Marston, Larry Han, Iacopo Olivotto, Sharlene M. Day, Euan A. Ashley, Michelle Michels, Alexandre C. Pereira, Jodie Ingles, Christopher Semsarian, Daniel Jacoby, Steven D. Colan, Joseph W. Rossano, Samuel G. Wittekind, James S. Ware, Sara Saberi, Adam S. Helms, Carolyn Y. Ho
Summary: Patients with childhood-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are more likely to have sarcomeric disease, have a higher risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, and have a greater need for advanced heart failure therapies.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Giulia Sbrini, Paola Brivio, Polina Mineva Peeva, Mihail Todiras, Michael Bader, Natalia Alenina, Francesca Calabrese
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Physiology
Anne Jaeryeo, Fatimunnisa Qadril, Mihail Todiras, Shirley Schmolkel
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maria Ercu, Lajos Marko, Carolin Schaechterle, Dmitry Tsvetkov, Yingqiu Cui, Sara Maghsodi, Theda U. P. Bartolomaeus, Philipp G. Maass, Kerstin Zuehlke, Nerine Gregersen, Norbert Huebner, Russell Hodge, Astrid Muehl, Baerbel Pohl, Rosana Mole Illas, Andrea Geelhaar, Stephan Walter, Hanna Napieczynska, Stefanie Schelenz, Martin Taube, Arnd Heuser, Yoland-Marie Anistan, Fatimunnisa Qadri, Mihail Todiras, Ralph Plehm, Elena Popova, Reika Langanki, Jenny Eichhorst, Martin Lehmann, Burkhard Wiesner, Michael Russwurm, Sofia K. Forslund, Ilona Kamer, Dominik N. Mueller, Maik Gollasch, Atakan Aydin, Sylvia Baehring, Michael Bader, Friedrich C. Luft, Enno Klussmann
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Mordhorst, Priyavathi Dhandapani, Susann Matthes, Valentina Mosienko, Michael Rothe, Mihail Todiras, Julie Self, Wolf-Hagen Schunck, Anja Schutz, Michael Bader, Natalia Alenina
Summary: Serotonin synthesis involves the hydroxylation of tryptophan, with most vertebrates having two known enzymes for this step. However, even in animals lacking these two enzymes, there is still some serotonin production, suggesting the presence of a third enzyme. The study found evidence that phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) may act as a third tryptophan hydroxylase in mammals, contributing to serotonin levels in the blood and potentially serving as a local source of serotonin in organs where other TPHs are not expressed.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Andre Felipe Rodrigues, Mihail Todiras, Fatimunnisa Qadri, Maria Jose Campagnole-Santos, Natalia Alenina, Michael Bader
Summary: The study established a new transgenic mouse model overexpressing Agt in the brain, revealing its impact on the renin-angiotensin system and sympathetic nervous system, as well as its regulatory effects on erythropoiesis and blood pressure.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Daniele T. Alves, Luiz Felipe Mendes, Walkyria O. Sampaio, Leda M. C. Coimbra-Campos, Maria Aparecida R. Vieira, Anderson J. Ferreira, Almir S. Martins, Elena Popova, Mihail Todiras, Fatimunnisa Qadri, Natalia Alenina, Michael Bader, Robson A. S. Santos, Maria Jose Campagnole-Santos
Summary: The new transgenic rat line TG7371 exhibits a hypotensive phenotype in the cardiovascular phenotype, characterized by widespread vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance. This phenotype is associated with an increase in ANP levels, as well as an increase in AVP and sympathetic drive.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Katharina Busch, Melanie Kny, Nora Huang, Tilman E. Klassert, Magdalena Stock, Alexander Hahn, Sebastian Graeger, Mihail Todiras, Sibylle Schmidt, Bishwas Chamling, Michael Willenbrock, Stefan Gross, Doreen Biedenweg, Arnd Heuser, Claus Scheidereit, Christian Butter, Stephan B. Felix, Oliver Otto, Friedrich C. Luft, Hortense Slevogt, Jens Fielitz
Summary: The study showed that in septic cardiomyopathy, Nlrp3 knockout mice prevented cardiac atrophy and improved diastolic cardiac function. IL-1 beta caused cardiomyocyte atrophy, impaired contractility and relaxation, and decreased cell deformation.
JOURNAL OF CACHEXIA SARCOPENIA AND MUSCLE
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Lukas Zanders, Melanie Kny, Alexander Hahn, Sibylle Schmidt, Sebastian Wundersitz, Mihail Todiras, Ines Lahmann, Arnab Bandyopadhyay, Tobias Wollersheim, Lars Kaderali, Friedrich C. Luft, Carmen Birchmeier, Steffen Weber-Carstens, Jens Fielitz
Summary: The study found that IL-6 mediates sepsis-induced muscle atrophy through the gp130/JAK2/STAT3 pathway, possibly contributing to intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICUAW). IL-6 induces phosphorylation and expression of muscle proteins, leading to muscle atrophy.
JOURNAL OF CACHEXIA SARCOPENIA AND MUSCLE
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ellen G. Avery, Hendrik Bartolomaeus, Ariana Rauch, Chia-Yu Chen, Gabriele N'Diaye, Ulrike Loeber, Theda U. P. Bartolomaeus, Raphaela Fritsche-Guenther, Andre F. Rodrigues, Alex Yarritu, Cheng Zhong, Lingyan Fei, Dmitry Tsvetkov, Mihail Todiras, Joon-Keun Park, Lajos Marko, Andras Maifeld, Andreas Patzak, Michael Bader, Stefan Kempa, Jennifer A. Kirwan, Sofia K. Forslund, Dominik N. Mueller, Nicola Wilck
Summary: This study investigated the impact of microbial colonization on organ damage in hypertension using germ-free and colonized mice models. The results showed that the kidney is more sensitive to microbial influence, and the colonization status is associated with circulating metabolites and inflammatory cells relevant to hypertension.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Zahra Heydari, Maria Peshkova, Zeynep Burcin Gonen, Ianos Coretchi, Ahmet Eken, Arzu Hanim Yay, Muhammet Ensar Dogan, Nuriye Gokce, Hilal Akalin, Nastasia Kosheleva, Daniela Galea-Abdusa, Mariana Ulinici, Valentina Vorojbit, Anastasia Shpichka, Stanislav Groppa, Massoud Vosough, Mihail Todiras, Denis Butnaru, Yusuf Ozkul, Peter Timashev
Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are produced by various cells and play a crucial role in cell-cell signaling, immune response, and tumor metastasis. They can deliver functional biomolecules and have the potential for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE-JMM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Mariana Ulinici, Martin Sonora, Emanuele Orsini, Danilo Licastro, Simeone Dal Monego, Mihail Todiras, Ludmila Lungu, Stanislav Groppa, Alessandro Marcello
Summary: The whole-genome sequences of 15 SARS-CoV-2 strains from Moldova were analyzed. The study found that Glade 19A and 20B were circulating in the early stages, followed by the introduction of B.1.1., B.1.1.7, and B.1.1525 lineages. The 8.1.1.7 lineage became dominant between December 2020 and June 2021, followed by the Delta variant.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Andre Felipe Rodrigues, Mihail Todiras, Fatimunnisa Qadri, Natalia Alenina, Michael Bader
Summary: The study found that FVB/N mice without angiotensin peptides do not experience hypotension but regulate blood pressure through compensatory mechanisms. However, these mice also exhibit renal morphological and physiological changes, which may make them a model for drug-resistant hypertension.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Mariana Ulinici, Alen Suljic, Monica Poggianella, Rafaela Milan Bonotto, Katarina Resman Rus, Angela Paraschiv, Amedeo Marco Bonetti, Mihail Todiras, Alexandru Corlateanu, Stanislav Groppa, Emil Ceban, Miroslav Petrovec, Alessandro Marcello
Summary: The study evaluated the antibody levels and neutralizing potential of COVID-19 convalescent plasma and sera from Moldovan adults vaccinated with the Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine. The results showed that convalescent individuals had higher levels of antispike RBD IgG antibodies, while vaccinated individuals produced higher levels of neutralizing antibodies.
Meeting Abstract
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Andre Felipe Rodrigues, Mihail Todiras, Fatimunnisa Qadri, Natalia Alenina, Michael Bader
JOURNAL OF HYPERTENSION
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
M. Ivanov, M. Popovici, L. Ciobanu, V. Ivanov, I. Popovici, V. Cobet, M. Todiras
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Andrew B. Harvey, Renelyn A. Woltes, Raymond N. Deepe, Hannah G. Tarolli, Jenna R. Drummond, Allison Trouten, Auva Zandi, Jeremy L. Barth, Rupak Mukherjee, Martin J. Romeo, Silvia G. Vaena, Ge Tao, Robin Muise-Helmericks, Paula S. Ramos, Russell A. Norris, Andy Wessels
Summary: This study highlights the importance of SOX9 in the regulation of epicardial cell invasion and emphasizes the role of EPDCs in regulating atrioventricular valve development and homeostasis. It also reports a novel expression profile of Cd109, a gene with previously unknown relevance in heart development.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
MariaSanta C. Mangione, Jinhua Wen, Dian J. Cao
Summary: mTOR, a mechanistic target of rapamycin, is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that plays a fundamental role in nutrient sensing, growth, metabolism, lifespan, and aging. Recent studies have highlighted the regulatory role of mTOR in innate immune responses and its involvement in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, especially in acute inflammation and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This review also discusses mTOR's role in trained immunity, immune senescence, and clonal hematopoiesis, as well as its architecture and regulatory complexes.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Junlin Li, Yajun Gong, Yiren Wang, Huihui Huang, Huan Du, Lianying Cheng, Cui Ma, Yongxiang Cai, Hukui Han, Jianhong Tao, Gang Li, Panke Cheng
Summary: Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury is closely related to the final infarct size in acute myocardial infarction. Regulatory T cells play an important role in the inflammatory response after AMI, but different subtypes of Tregs have different effects on the injury.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CARDIOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Yuxin Chu, Yutao Hua, Lihao He, Jin He, Yunxi Chen, Jing Yang, Ismail Mahmoud, Fanfang Zeng, Xiaochang Zeng, Gloria A. Benavides, Victor M. Darley-Usmar, Martin E. Young, Scott W. Ballinger, Sumanth D. Prabhu, Cheng Zhang, Min Xie
Summary: This study demonstrates that administering beta-hydroxybutyrate (beta-OHB) at the time of reperfusion can reduce infarct size and preserve cardiac function by activating autophagy and preserving mitochondrial homeostasis, potentially through mTOR inhibition.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR CARDIOLOGY
(2024)