Changes in titin isoform expression ratios increase myocardial passive stiffness, suggesting a molecular mechanism for diastolic dysfunction in heart failure.
Coexpression of titin isoforms with distinct mechanical properties allows modulation of passive stiffness via adjustment of the isoform expression ratio. The canine pacing-induced heart failure model uses this mechanism to increase myocardial stiffness. Thus, changes in titin isoform expression may play a role in diastolic dysfunction in heart failure.
Wu et al. (Tue,) studied this question.