Targeting GSK-3 family members in the heart: A very sharp double-edged sword

The GSK-3 family of serine/threonine kinases, which is comprised of two isoforms (α and β), was initially identified as a negative regulator of glycogen synthase, the rate limiting enzyme of glycogen synthesis [1] and [2]. In the 30 years since its initial discovery, the family has been reported to regulate a host of additional cellular processes and, consequently, disease states such as bipolar disorders, diabetes, inflammatory diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease [3,4]. As a result, there has been intense interest on the part of the pharmaceutical industry in developing small molecule antagonists of GSK-3. Herein, we will review the roles played by GSK-3s in the heart, focusing primarily on recent studies that have employed global and tissue-specific gene deletion. We will highlight roles in various pathologic processes, including pressure overload and ischemic injury, focusing on some striking isoform-specific effects of the family. Due to space limitations and/or the relatively limited data in gene-targeted mice, we will not be addressing the family's roles in ischemic pre-conditioning or its many interactions with various pro- and anti-apoptotic factors. This article is part of a special issue entitled “Key Signaling Molecules in Hypertrophy and Heart Failure.”

Research Highlights► GSK-3 promotes differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells. ► GSK-3β is a critical brake on cardiomyocyte proliferation during development. ► GSK-3β promotes post-MI, but not post-TAC, remodeling. ► GSK-3α protects against post-TAC hypertrophy and enhances β-adrenergic responsiveness. ► GSK-3β deletion promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation in the adult heart.