Unmasking Protein Phosphatase 2A Regulatory Subunit B as a Crucial Factor in the Progression of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is one of the major causes of heart failure. Although significant progress has been made in elucidating the underlying mechanisms, further investigation is required for clarifying molecular diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this study, we found that the mRNA level of protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B' delta (Ppp2r5d) was altered in the peripheral blood plasma of DCM patients. Knockdown of Ppp2r5d in murine cardiomyocytes increased the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis. In vivo knockdown of Ppp2r5d in an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced DCM mouse model aggravated the pathogenesis and ultimately led to heart failure. Mechanistically, Ppp2r5d-deficient cardiomyocytes showed an increase in phosphorylation of STAT3 at Y705 and a decrease in phosphorylation of STAT3 at S727. The elevated levels of phosphorylation at Y705 in STAT3 triggered the upregulation of interleukin 6 (IL6) expression. Moreover, the decreased phosphorylation at S727 in STAT3 disrupted mitochondrial electron transport chain function and dysregulated ATP synthesis and ROS levels. These results hereby reveal a novel role for Ppp2r5d in modulating STAT3 pathway in DCM, suggesting it as a potential target for the therapy of the disease.