S100A1 gene therapy for heart failure: A novel strategy on the verge of clinical trials

Representing the common endpoint of various cardiovascular disorders, heart failure (HF) shows a dramatically growing prevalence. As currently available therapeutic strategies are not capable of terminating the progress of the disease, HF is still associated with a poor clinical prognosis. Among the underlying molecular mechanisms, the loss of cardiomyocyte Ca2+ cycling integrity plays a key role in the pathophysiological development and progression of the disease. The cardiomyocyte EF-hand Ca2+ sensor protein S100A1 emerged as a regulator both of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), sarcomere and mitochondrial function implicating a significant role in cardiac physiology and dysfunction. In this review, we aim to recapitulate the translation of S100A1-based investigation from first clinical observations over basic research experiments back to a near-clinical setting on the verge of clinical trials today. We also address needs for further developments towards “second-generation” gene therapy and discuss the therapeutic potential of S100A1 gene therapy for HF as a promising novel strategy for future cardiologists. This article is part of a Special Section entitled “Special Section: Cardiovascular Gene Therapy”.

Research Highlights► S100A1 emerged as key regulator of an integrative Ca2+-controlled network improving sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), sarcomere and mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes. ► Abnormally low S100A1 levels in failing myocardium are a disease hallmark driving progression to contractile failure and arrhythmogenic Ca2+ handling abnormalities. ► S100A1 gene-based and peptide-derived therapeutics reverse SR, sarcomere and mitochondrial dysfunction in failing myocardium. ► S100A1 gene-based strategies have successfully been tested in small animals with ultimate proof of therapeutic efficiency and bio-safety in large animal heart failure models closely approximating human cardiovascular pathophysiology.