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Polakit Teekakirikul, Seda Eminaga, Okan Toka, Ronny Alcalai, Libin Wang, Hiroko Wakimoto, Matthew Nayor, Tetsuo Konno, Joshua M. Gorham, Cordula M. Wolf, Jae B. Kim, Joachim P. Schmitt, Jefferey D. Molkentin, Russell A. Norris, Andrew M. Tager, Stanley R. Hoffman, Roger R. Markwald, Christine E. Seidman, Jonathan G. Seidman
Published in Volume 120, Issue 10
J Clin Invest. 2010; 120(10):3520–3529 doi:10.1172/JCI42028
Abstract | Full text | PDF | Supplemental material
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Figure 6
A model for increasing fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction from HCM sarcomere gene mutations.

Mutant myocytes have increased biophysical properties (8) and abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis (11), factors that trigger mechanical and/or biochemical signals that activate gene transcription, including increased Tgf-β expression. Whether by paracrine and/or autocrine signaling, Tgf-β stimulates non-myocyte proliferation and expression of profibrotic molecules. Activated non-myocyte cells secrete profibrotic molecules that expand the interstitium, increase stresses imposed on mutant myocytes, and promote myocyte death with resultant focal scarring. Tgf-β–mediated increased interstitial and focal fibrosis contributes to diastolic dysfunction in HCM hearts. Preemptive antagonism of Tgf-β signaling by a neutralizing antibody (NAb) or losartan reduces non-myocyte proliferation and profibrotic gene expression, thereby limiting cardiac fibrosis.