Transcriptional Regulation of Postnatal Cardiomyocyte Maturation and Regeneration

During the postnatal period, mammalian cardiomyocytes undergo numerous maturational changes associated with increased cardiac function and output, including hypertrophic growth, cell cycle exit, sarcomeric protein isoform switching, and mitochondrial maturation. These changes come at the expense of loss of regenerative capacity of the heart, contributing to heart failure after cardiac injury in adults. While most studies focus on the transcriptional regulation of embryonic or adult cardiomyocytes, the transcriptional changes that occur during the postnatal period are relatively unknown. In this review, we focus on the transcriptional regulators responsible for these aspects of cardiomyocyte maturation during the postnatal period in mammals. By specifically highlighting this transitional period, we draw attention to critical processes in cardiomyocyte maturation with potential therapeutic implications in cardiovascular disease.

Automated summary

During the postnatal period, mammalian cardiomyocytes undergo significant maturational changes related to increased cardiac function, such as hypertrophic growth, cell cycle exit, sarcomeric protein isoform switching, and mitochondrial maturation. These changes lead to a loss of regenerative capacity in the heart, contributing to heart failure after cardiac injury in adults. Understanding the transcriptional regulators responsible for these maturation processes could have potential therapeutic implications in cardiovascular disease.