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Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MKK)4 is a critical member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family. It is able to activate the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal protein kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in response to environmental stresses. JNK and p38 are strongly implicated in pathological cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure; however, the regulatory mechanism whereby the upstream kinase MKK4 activates these signaling cascades in the heart is unknown. To elucidate the biological function of MKK4, we generated mice with a cardiac myocyte-specific deletion of mkk4 (MKK4(cko) mice). In response to pressure overload or chronic beta-adrenergic stimulation, upregulated NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T-cell) transcriptional activity associated with exacerbated cardiac hypertrophy and the appearance of apoptotic cardiomyocytes were observed in MKK4(cko) mice. However, when subjected to swimming exercise, MKK4(cko) mice displayed a similar level of physiological cardiac hypertrophy compared to controls (MKK4(f/f)). In addition, we also discovered that MKK4 expression was significantly reduced in heart failure patients. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time that MKK4 is a key mediator which prevents the transition from an adaptive response to maladaptive cardiac hypertrophy likely involving the regulation of the NFAT signaling pathway.

Original publication

DOI

10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.108.188292

Type

Journal article

Journal

Circ Res

Publication Date

10/04/2009

Volume

104

Pages

905 - 914

Keywords

Adaptation, Physiological, Animals, Apoptosis, Blood Pressure, Cardiomegaly, Disease Models, Animal, Heart, Heart Failure, Isoproterenol, MAP Kinase Kinase 4, Male, Mice, Mice, Knockout, Myocardium, NFATC Transcription Factors, Signal Transduction, Swimming, Time Factors, Transcription, Genetic