Jizhong Xuan

Dr. Jizhong Xuan

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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2 March 2026 in Scientific Reports
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
JXJizhong Xuan
Jizhong Xuan
JZJiayu Zhou
Jiayu Zhou
YHYuanji Huang
Yuanji Huang
MHMengyu Huang
Mengyu Huang
SPShengyan Pu
Shengyan Pu
JXJieyuan Xue
Jieyuan Xue
Heart failure, the common end-stage of cardiovascular diseases, features cardiac fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β3 (TGFB3), a key TGFB/SMAD ligand, is upregulated in cardiac disorders, but its cellular source and precise role are debated. This study examined TGFB3 in human and mouse heart failure tissues. Histological and molecular analyses showed its increase mainly from cardiomyocytes, induced by angiotensin II. Circulating TGFB3 in patients positively correlated with plasma proBNP, a heart failure severity marker. A cardiomyocyte-specific TGFB3 knockout mouse model showed its absence worsens cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis under pressure overload. Mechanically, TGFB3 competes with TGFB1 for receptors, reducing Smad3 phosphorylation and profibrotic gene activation. Loss of TGFB3 in cardiomyocytes increased expression of profibrotic mediators such as CTGF and SERPINE1, ultimately accelerating fibrotic remodeling during HF progression. These findings identify cardiomyocyte-derived TGFB3 as a crucial endogenous modulator that protects against pathological cardiac fibrosis and highlight its therapeutic potential in HF.