血管衰老与心肌纤维化机制揭示

Core Insights - The research led by Professor Yang Baofeng and his team reveals complex mechanisms of vascular aging and cardiac fibrosis, providing a theoretical foundation for treating challenging cardiovascular diseases [1] Group 1: Vascular Aging - The research focuses on the key RNA regulatory molecule METTL14, which, when specifically reduced in aged mice, significantly improves vascular function and restores elasticity, demonstrating anti-aging effects [2] - Increased expression of METTL14 in endothelial cells during vascular aging modifies specific sites on TLR4 mRNA, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation that accelerates endothelial cell aging and causes vascular stiffness and dysfunction [2] Group 2: Cardiac Fibrosis - The team identified RBMS1, an RNA-binding protein, as a new target for combating cardiac fibrosis, which occurs when elastic heart muscle cells are replaced by stiff fibrous tissue, ultimately leading to heart failure [3] - In patients and mice with heart failure, RBMS1 levels are significantly elevated, and its inhibition or gene knockout effectively slows the progression of heart failure [3] - RBMS1 interferes with the normal function of the LMO7 gene, causing mutations that overactivate the pro-fibrotic factor TGFβ1, leading to cardiac tissue hardening and heart failure [3][4] Group 3: Future Directions - Targeting the inhibition of RBMS1 activity or blocking LMO7 gene mutations presents a promising breakthrough in halting cardiac fibrosis [4] - The research team aims to further explore targeted interventions in RNA regulatory mechanisms, developing comprehensive strategies against fibrosis and vascular aging to address the challenges of an aging population and improve national health [4]