TAX1BP1 overexpression attenuates cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in STZ-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice by regulating autophagy

TAX1BP1 expression was significantly decreased in STZ-induced diabetic mouse hearts. TAX1BP1 overexpression in the heart alleviated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, attenuated inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis, and improved cardiac function in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Diabetic mice exhibited decreased autophagy. By contrast, increased autophagy was observed in diabetic mice overexpressing TAX1BP1. TAX1BP1 overexpression promoted autophagic flux, as demonstrated by increased LC3-RFP fluorescence in vitro. Furthermore, the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA abolished the protective effects of TAX1BP1 in vivo. Interestingly, we found that TAX1BP1 increased autophagy via the activation of a non-canonical NF-κB signaling pathway. Conversely, RelB knockdown disrupted the protective effects of TAX1BP1 in cardiomyocytes. TAX1BP1 thus restores the decreased autophagy level, leading to decreased inflammatory responses and oxidative stress and reduced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes.