Dysferlin is a protein that is responsible for repairing the cell membranes of muscle cells. It helps to repair membrane damage that occurs during contraction, for example. Dysferlin plays a particularly important role in the heart muscle, as the cells here are exposed to high mechanical stress, especially in diseases such as high blood pressure or acquired heart valve defects.
Dysferlin - the protective shield of heart muscle cells
In this study, in which several DZHK scientists were involved, the team was able to show using high-resolution STED microscopy that dysferlin not only repairs the membrane of the muscle cells, but also helps to maintain and rebuild important membrane structures in the heart muscle that are responsible for controlling muscle contraction. Regular invaginations of the surface membrane, the so-called T-tubules, are necessary for the heart to work properly. Without dysferlin, these structures cannot remain stable, which means that the heart has a quite poor function under stress, e.g. during high blood pressure.
Weaker response to stress without dysferlin
The researchers found out that mice lacking dysferlin, react differently to increased mechanical stress. Without dysferlin, the animals showed a significantly weaker adaptation to an increased pressure load on the left ventricle, which was reflected in a reduced enlargement of the heart muscle (hypertrophy). These results emphasise how important dysferlin is, regarding the adaptation of the heart muscle to stress situations.
Future prospects for the treatment of heart disease
‘Our study shows that dysferlin plays a central role in protecting the heart muscle from membrane damage and adapting to increased stress. These findings provide valuable impetus for the development of new therapies,’ says Priv.-Doz. Dr Sören Brandenburg, lead scientist of the study.
The new findings could pave the way for innovative treatments that specifically target dysferlin. Patients with heart failure or other heart diseases that lead to a weakening of the heart muscle could benefit from this therapy. In the long term, this could slow down the progression of the disease and improve patients' quality of life.
Original publication:
Dysferlin Enables Tubular Membrane Proliferation in Cardiac Hypertrophy. Nora Josefine Paulke et al., Circulation Reseach, 2024
The paper was named Paper of the Month September 2024.
Scientific contact:
Priv.-Doz. Dr Sören Brandenburg, University Hospital Göttingen, Georg August University, Clinic for Cardiology and Pneumology, soeren.brandenburg(at)med.uni-goettingen.de
