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Review
. 2014 May 1;102(2):194-204.
doi: 10.1093/cvr/cvu021. Epub 2014 Jan 29.

Signalling between microvascular endothelium and cardiomyocytes through neuregulin

Emily M Parodi  1 , Bernhard Kuhn
Affiliations
Review

Signalling between microvascular endothelium and cardiomyocytes through neuregulin

Emily M Parodi et al. Cardiovasc Res. .

Abstract

Heterocellular communication in the heart is an important mechanism for matching circulatory demands with cardiac structure and function, and neuregulins (Nrgs) play an important role in transducing this signal between the hearts' vasculature and musculature. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding Nrgs, explaining their roles in transducing signals between the heart's microvasculature and cardiomyocytes. We highlight intriguing areas being investigated for developing new, Nrg-mediated strategies to heal the heart in acquired and congenital heart diseases, and note avenues for future research.

Keywords: ErbB; Heart; Heterocellular communication; Neuregulin.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Nrg isoform structures: Nrg structures. (A) NRG-1 and NRG-2 genetic loci. (B) NRG-1 and NRG-2 protein isoform compositions. Arrows indicate putative proteolytic sites.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Nrg-1 heterocellular signalling: (A) Nrg heterocellular signalling between a coronary microvascular endothelial cell (top) and a cardiomyocyte (bottom). Scissor indicates proteolytic cleavage by metalloproteinases. The green box in (iv) indicates receptor phosphorylation and activation. (B) Nrg heterocellular signalling drives post-natal lobuloalveolar mammary gland changes upon pregnancy.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Nrg-1 ligand and receptor localizations: (top panel) tissues expressing Nrg1 during pre and post-natal life. (Middle panel) ErbB2 and ErbB4 expression profiles. (Bottom panel) ErbB3 and ErbB4 expression profiles. Disease expression indicates tissues overexpressing Nrg (top) or its receptors (middle, bottom) concomitant with indicated diseases.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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