Biosynthesis of cardiac natriuretic peptides

    52 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Cardiac-derived peptide hormones were identified more than 25 years ago. An astonishing amount of clinical studies have established cardiac natriuretic peptides and their molecular precursors as useful markers of heart disease. In contrast to the clinical applications, the biogenesis of cardiac peptides has only been elucidated during the last decade. The cellular synthesis including amino acid modifications and proteolytic cleavages has proven considerably more complex than initially perceived. Consequently, the elimination phase of the peptide products in circulation is not yet well characterized. An ongoing characterization of the molecular heterogeneity will help appreciate the biosynthetic capacity of the endocrine heart and could introduce new diagnostic possibilities. Notably, different biosynthetic products may not be equal markers of the same pathophysiological processes. An inefficient post-translational prohormone maturation will also affect the biology of the cardiac natriuretic peptide system. This review aims at summarizing the myocardial synthesis of natriuretic peptides focusing on B-type natriuretic peptide, where new data has disclosed cardiac myocytes as highly competent endocrine cells. The structurally related atrial natriuretic peptide will be mentioned where appropriate, whereas C-type natriuretic peptide will not be considered as a cardiac peptide of relevance in mammalian physiology.
    Original languageEnglish
    Book seriesResults and Problems in Cell Differentiation
    Volume50
    Pages (from-to)97-120
    Number of pages24
    ISSN0080-1844
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Biosynthesis of cardiac natriuretic peptides'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this