Resistance to Atrial Fibrillation Domestication and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Sheep

In this study, we conducted a comprehensive proteomic analysis on sheep heart samples, focusing on the variations associated with to atrial fibrillation (AF). The samples were categorized into three distinct groups: sham-operated (control), AF-sensitive, and AF-resistant. The sham group provided baseline data, representing normal cardiac tissue without exposure to AF. The AF-sensitive samples were derived from sheep that exhibited a high susceptibility to AF, characterized by a rapid onset of arrhythmia upon induction. In contrast, the AF-resistant group comprised samples from sheep that showed resilience to AF, maintaining regular heart rhythm despite induction attempts. This proteomic comparison aimed to unravel the molecular underpinnings that differentiate the cardiac response in AF-sensitive and AF-resistant sheep, potentially revealing critical protein expressions or pathways that could be targeted for novel AF therapies or preventive strategies.