Z-disc protein CHAPb induces cardiomyopathy and contractile dysfunction in the postnatal heart

What is it about?

We demonstrated that the isoform of CHAP (CHAPb) that is normally expressed during heart development is re-expressed in certain forms of heart disease. We then demonstrated that over expression of CHAPb is sufficient to induce heart disease that leads to a reduced pumping force in the heart and enlarged atria. Previous studies of other labs have shown that the CHAP locus is associated with atrial fibrillation in humans. We are the first to show that deregulation of CHAP leads to a diseased atrium in an experimental model.

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Why is it important?

Our study gives us insight in the function of the chap gene that might be implicated in human atrial fibrillation. Understanding the function of the gene will help us develop strategies to interfere with chap gene expression to restore normal heart function in patients.