Transient Inhibition of Translation Improves Cardiac Function After Ischemia/Reperfusion by Attenuating the Inflammatory Response
Authors: Hofmann Christoph , Serafin Adrian , Schwerdt Ole M. , Fischer Johannes , Sicklinger Florian , Younesi Fereshteh S. , Byrne Nikole J. , Meyer Ingmar S. , Malovrh Ellen , Sandmann Clara , Jürgensen Lonny , Kamuf-Schenk Verena , Stroh Claudia , Löwenthal Zoe , Finke Daniel , Boileau Etienne , Beisaw Arica , Bugger Heiko , Rettel Mandy , Stein Frank , Katus Hugo A. , Jakobi Tobias , Frey Norbert , Leuschner Florian , Völkers Mirko 
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND:

The myocardium adapts to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) by changes in gene expression, determining the cardiac response to reperfusion. mRNA translation is a key component of gene expression. It is largely unknown how regulation of mRNA translation contributes to cardiac gene expression and inflammation in response to reperfusion and whether it can be targeted to mitigate I/R injury.

METHODS:

To examine translation and its impact on gene expression in response to I/R, we measured protein synthesis after reperfusion in vitro and in vivo. Underlying mechanisms of translational control were examined by pharmacological and genetic targeting of translation initiation in mice. Cell type–specific ribosome profiling was performed in mice that had been subjected to I/R to determine the impact of mRNA translation on the regulation of gene expression in cardiomyocytes. Translational regulation of inflammation was studied by quantification of immune cell infiltration, inflammatory gene expression, and cardiac function after short-term inhibition of translation initiation.

RESULTS:

Reperfusion induced a rapid recovery of translational activity that exceeds baseline levels in the infarct and border zone and is mediated by translation initiation through the mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1)–4EBP1 (eIF4E-binding protein 1)–eIF (eukaryotic initiation factor) 4F axis. Cardiomyocyte-specific ribosome profiling identified that I/R increased translation of mRNA networks associated with cardiac inflammation and cell infiltration. Short-term inhibition of the mTORC1-4EBP1-eIF4F axis decreased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as Ccl2 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 2) of border zone cardiomyocytes, thereby attenuating Ly6C
hi
monocyte infiltration and myocardial inflammation. In addition, we identified a systemic immunosuppressive effect of eIF4F translation inhibitors on circulating monocytes, directly inhibiting monocyte infiltration. Short-term pharmacological inhibition of eIF4F complex formation by 4EGI-1 or rapamycin attenuated translation, reduced infarct size, and improved cardiac function after myocardial infarction.

CONCLUSIONS:

Global protein synthesis is inhibited during ischemia and shortly after reperfusion, followed by a recovery of protein synthesis that exceeds baseline levels in the border and infarct zones. Activation of mRNA translation after reperfusion is driven by mTORC1/eIF4F-mediated regulation of initiation and mediates an mRNA network that controls inflammation and monocyte infiltration to the myocardium. Transient inhibition of the mTORC1-/eIF4F axis inhibits translation and attenuates Ly6C
hi
monocyte infiltration by inhibiting a proinflammatory response at the site of injury and of circulating monocytes.