Signalling between microvascular endothelium and cardiomyocytes through neuregulin.
Heterocellular communication in the heart is an important mechanism for matching circulatory demands with cardiac structure and function, and neuregulins (Nrgs) play an important role in transducing this signal between the hearts' vasculature and musculature. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding Nrgs, explaining their roles in transducing signals between the heart's microvasculature and cardiomyocytes. We highlight intriguing areas being investigated for developing new, Nrg-mediated strategies to heal the heart in acquired and congenital heart diseases, and note avenues for future research.
Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Enders Building, Room 1212, Brookline, MA 02115, USA.
Emily M
EM
Parodi
Bernhard
B
Kuhn
D000818:Animals; D004727:Endothelium / Q000378:metabolism*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D055806:Microvessels / Q000378:metabolism*; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000378:metabolism*; D020880:Neuregulins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D020880:Neuregulins
ErbB; Heart; Heterocellular communication; Neuregulin