Protein post‐translational modifications and misfolding: New concepts in heart failure

F Del Monte, G Agnetti - PROTEOMICS–Clinical Applications, 2014 - Wiley Online Library
F Del Monte, G Agnetti
PROTEOMICS–Clinical Applications, 2014Wiley Online Library
A new concept in the field of heart‐failure (HF) research points to a role of misfolded
proteins, forming preamyloid oligomers (PAOs), in cardiac toxicity. This is largely based on
few studies reporting the presence of PAOs, similar to those observed in neurodegenerative
diseases, in experimental and human HF. As the majority of proteinopathies are sporadic in
nature, protein post‐translational modifications (PTMs) likely play a major role in this
growing class of diseases. In fact, PTMs are known regulators of protein folding and of the …
A new concept in the field of heart‐failure (HF) research points to a role of misfolded proteins, forming preamyloid oligomers (PAOs), in cardiac toxicity. This is largely based on few studies reporting the presence of PAOs, similar to those observed in neurodegenerative diseases, in experimental and human HF. As the majority of proteinopathies are sporadic in nature, protein post‐translational modifications (PTMs) likely play a major role in this growing class of diseases. In fact, PTMs are known regulators of protein folding and of the formation of amyloid species in well‐established proteinopathies. Proteomics has been instrumental in identifying both chemical and enzymatic PTMs, with a potential impact on protein mis‐/folding. Here we provide the basics on how proteins fold along with a few examples of PTMs known to modulate protein misfolding and aggregation, with particular focus on the heart. Due to its innovative content and the growing awareness of the toxicity of misfolded proteins, an “Alzheimer's theory of HF” is timely. Moreover, the continuous innovations in proteomic technologies will help pinpoint PTMs that could contribute to the process. This nuptial between biology and technology could greatly assist in identifying biomarkers with increased specificity as well as more effective therapies.
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