VGLL3 is a mechanosensitive protein that promotes cardiac fibrosis through liquid–liquid phase separation

Abstract

Heart fibrosis involves a feedback loop where stiffening increases fibrosis-related gene expression in myofibroblasts. Here authors reveal the mechanosensitive nuclear translocation of VGLL3, where it phase separates and promotes collagen production, and show that its knock-out is protective after myocardial infarction.