Kinases as therapeutic targets for heart failure

Cardiac cells respond to external stimuli by activating signal-transduction cascades involving protein and lipid kinases. These enzymes are attractive therapeutic targets as they are responsible for the direct or indirect control of most signalling pathways in cells. Existing therapies for heart failure are directed against the renin-angiotensin system and the -adrenoceptor, and prevent the initiation of signalling cascades. However, as molecular signalling events in the progression of heart failure are elucidated, new downstream signalling targets have emerged as candidates for therapeutic intervention.