Activation of FoxO1 prevents and reverses cardiac hypertrophy from diverse stimuli

Abstract

The heart is a dynamic organ capable of structural and functional remodeling in the wake of changing mechanical and/or circulating cues. While the molecular underpinnings of cardiac hypertrophy are well-defined, the mechanisms of hypertrophy regression following stimulus removal are relatively less understood. Here, we demonstrate that activation of forkhead box proteins (FoxOs), and increased expression of their autophagy gene targets, are common features of hypertrophy regression after both exercise and pregnancy in mice. Additionally, we show FoxO1 activation is sufficient to prevent and reverse adrenergic agonist-dependent pathological hypertrophy. Our findings highlight the central role of FoxO1 in regulating cardiac mass.