Dilated Cardiomyopathy condition in humans alters the gene expressions leading to major pathway dysregulation

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by the enlargement and impaired function of the heart's left ventricle. DCM in many cases is considered an end-stage heart disease with the patient requiring heart transplant. DCM is often linked to myocarditis. In myocarditis, immune responses can greatly affect the development and progression of DCM. Genetic variations can alter these immune responses, resulting in prolonged cytotoxicity, cleavage of host proteins, and abnormal wound healing. These changes can lead to tissue scarring and impaired mechanical and electrical functioning of the heart. We were interested to look at the changes in the transcriptome of DCM hearts as compared to normal hearts and investigate the major pathways that are dysregulated as a cause or consequence of cardiac pathology.