RNA metabolism from synthesis, processing, translation to degradation is an integrated part of gene regulation that ultimately determines the overall cardiac transcriptome complexity and reprogramming during heart failure. RNA binding proteins are central to every process of RNA metabolism and therefore establishing their roles in the onset and progression of heart failure should lead to novel disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Earlier reports by the PI (Dr. Chen Gao) have revealed that global RNA splicing changes are important part of cardiac transcriptome reprogramming in failing heart. Furthermore, this fetal-like RNA- splicing reprogramming is regulated by RBFox1, a muscle enriched RNA splicing factor. However, in new study, PI found cardiac RBFox1 gene also encoded a cytosolic isoform (RBFox1c) due to its own alternative mRNA splicing. While the nuclear RBFox1n contributes to cardiac hypertrophic response through global alternative splicing regulation as demonstrated by the PI, the functional role of the cytosolic RBFox1c in cardiac pathology is yet to be explored. In preliminary studies both in vitro and in vivo, PI found the cytosolic RBFox1c played a critical role in cardiac remodeling associated with reduced pro-inflammatory gene expression in stressed heart muscle cells. This proposal aims at characterizing the non-canonical function of RBFox1c in cardiac disease progression and exploring the RBFox1c mediated post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism in heart. It also outlines an extensive career development plan for Dr. Chen Gao to complete postdoctoral training under the supervision of Dr. Yi Xing and to transition into an independent investigator well equipped with a unique combination of research skills, scientific insights and highly promising research pipeline. During the K99 phase of this proposal, the PI will characterize the functional impact of RBFox1c in cardiac fibrotic response using both genetic mouse model and in vitro cultured cardiomyocytes.
The second aim of the K99 phase is to determine the molecular mechanism of RBFox1c mediated inflammatory gene repression. During the R00 phase, the PI will characterize isoform specific impact of RBFox1 in cardiac physiology and pathological remodeling using isoform specific manipulated mouse models. The PI will also explore the post- transcriptional regulatory mechanisms mediated by RBFox1c in heart through BRIC-Seq, TRAP ribo-seq and microRNA competition analysis. The proposed experiments will create exciting new opportunities of fundamental discovery in an important yet vastly under-explored area in cardiac biology, and new insight will also fill an important gap in the current understanding to the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling induced by pathological stress.
Heart failure is the no. 1 killer in United States, with rates expected to rise by 25% by 2030. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanism leading to cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure is still limited. This proposal aims at exploring the mechanism as well as therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease.
