Sarcomeres and the Biophysics of Heart Failure

Abstract

Changes in the function of the sarcomere play a significant role in the development of cardiac dysfunction underlying heart failure. These changes in sarcomeric properties are the result of either alterations in isoform expression, post-translational modification of the sarcomeric proteins, or gene mutations linked to hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy. These alterations act to modulate the contractile state of the heart via direct effects on the biophysical properties of the cardiac sarcomere. Coupling a deeper understanding of the primary biophysical causes of changes in contractile function to a more complete understanding of the resultant pathogenic ventricular remodeling that occurs over time will allow for both significant advances in disease management and new points of therapeutic intervention.