Spatial transcriptomics unveils ZBTB11 as a regulator of cardiomyocyte degeneration in cardiomyopathy

ABSTRACT: Aims Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is an inherited cardiac disorder that is characterized by progressive fibro-fatty replacement of the myocardium, arrhythmias, and sudden death. While myocardial degeneration and fibro-fatty replacement occurs in specific locations, the underlying molecular changes remain poorly characterized. Here we aim to delineate local changes in gene expression to help identify new genes or pathways that are relevant for specific remodelling processes occurring during ACM. Methods and Results Using Tomo-Seq, a genome-wide transcriptional profiling with high spatial resolution, we created a transmural epicardial to endocardial gene expression atlas of an explanted ACM heart to gain molecular insights into disease-driving processes. This enabled us to link gene expression profiles to the different regional remodelling responses and allowed us to identify genes that are potentially relevant for disease progression. In doing we revealed BTB (broad-complex, tramtrack, bric-à-brac) domain containing 11 (ZBTB11) to be specifically enriched at sites of active fibrofatty replacement of myocardium. Immunohistochemistry indicated ZBTB11 to be enriched in cardiomyocytes flanking fibrofatty areas, which could be confirmed in multiple cardiomyopathy patients. Forced overexpression of ZBTB11 in iPS-derived cardiomyocytes showed ZBTB11 to function as a potent inducer of cardiomyocyte atrophy. Conclusion By combining spatial transcriptomics with classical histological approaches we identified gene expression changes underlying local remodelling responses in ACM. In doing so we found ZBTB11 to function as a relevant driver of cardiomyocyte atrophy. These data show the power of Tomo-Seq to unveil new molecular mechanisms and indicate ZBTB11 as a potential new target for cardiomyopathy.

ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens

PROVIDER: GSE114770 | GEO | 2021/05/22

REPOSITORIES: GEO