Cardiomyocyte genome

The cardiomyocyte genome represents the entire collection of genetic material within heart muscle cells, encompassing both nuclear DNA and the mitochondrial genome (Nature Reviews Cardiology, 2021). It provides the fundamental blueprint for cardiac structure and function, regulating the expression of proteins involved in contraction, metabolism, and electrophysiology (NIH/NHGRI). Mutations or epigenetic modifications within this genome are major contributors to the development of cardiovascular diseases, including hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies (JACC, 2020). While not a single therapeutic target, the cardiomyocyte genome is the focus of advanced genetic interventions such as gene replacement therapy and CRISPR-based genome editing (Circulation Research, 2019). These strategies aim to correct pathogenic variants or modulate gene expression to treat underlying causes of heart failure. Therapeutic challenges include achieving high specificity in gene delivery and avoiding off-target effects that could lead to genomic instability (Nature Reviews Cardiology, 2021).

Other names

Cardiac genomeMyocardial genomeHeart cell genome

Modulation of gene expression or sequence through gene replacement, gene silencing, or precise genome editing to correct or compensate for genetic defects.