Unraveling the role of the FHL family in cardiac diseases: Mechanisms, implications, and future directions

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2024 Jan 29:694:149468. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149468. Epub 2024 Jan 3.

Abstract

Heart diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these diseases is essential for the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The FHL family consists of five members: FHL1, FHL2, FHL3, FHL4, and FHL5/Act. These members exhibit different expression patterns in various tissues including the heart. FHL family proteins are implicated in cardiac remodeling, regulation of metabolic enzymes, and cardiac biomechanical stress perception. A large number of studies have explored the link between FHL family proteins and cardiac disease, skeletal muscle disease, and ovarian metabolism, but a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the specific molecular mechanisms targeting FHL on cardiac disease is lacking. The aim of this review is to explore the structure and function of FHL family members, to comprehensively elucidate the mechanisms by which they regulate the heart, and to explore in depth the changes in FHL family members observed in different cardiac disorders, as well as the effects of mutations in FHL proteins on heart health.

Keywords: Cardiac arrhythmia; Cardiomyopathy; Coronary atherosclerotic; FHL family; Heart diseases; Pulmonary heart disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Heart Diseases* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • LIM Domain Proteins / genetics
  • Muscle Proteins / metabolism
  • Muscular Diseases* / genetics
  • Mutation

Substances

  • Muscle Proteins
  • FHL1 protein, human
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • LIM Domain Proteins