Dysregulation of RBFOX2 Is an Early Event in Cardiac Pathogenesis of Diabetes

Curtis A. Nutter, Elizabeth A. Jaworski, Sunil K. Verma, Vaibhav Deshmukh, Qiongling Wang, Olga B. Botvinnik, Mario J. Lozano, Ismail J. Abass, Talha Ijaz, Allan R. Brasier, Nisha J. Garg, Xander H.T. Wehrens, Gene W. Yeo, Muge N. Kuyumcu-Martinez

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

Alternative splicing (AS) defects that adversely affect gene expression and function have been identified in diabetic hearts; however, the mechanisms responsible are largely unknown. Here, we show that the RNA-binding protein RBFOX2 contributes to transcriptome changes under diabetic conditions. RBFOX2 controls AS of genes with important roles in heart function relevant to diabetic cardiomyopathy. RBFOX2 protein levels are elevated in diabetic hearts despite low RBFOX2 AS activity. A dominant-negative (DN) isoform of RBFOX2 that blocks RBFOX2-mediated AS is generated in diabetic hearts. DN RBFOX2 interacts with wild-type (WT) RBFOX2, and ectopic expression of DN RBFOX2 inhibits AS of RBFOX2 targets. Notably, DN RBFOX2 expression is specific to diabetes and occurs at early stages before cardiomyopathy symptoms appear. Importantly, DN RBFOX2 expression impairs intracellular calcium release in cardiomyocytes. Our results demonstrate that RBFOX2 dysregulation by DN RBFOX2 is an early pathogenic event in diabetic hearts.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)2200-2213
Number of pages14
JournalCell Reports
Volume15
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 7 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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