fig1

Figure 1. The double-edged sword of oxygen in cardiomyocyte function and proliferation. Oxygen is required for efficient energy production and contraction of cardiomyocytes, but it blocks cardiomyocyte proliferation by inducing the DNA damage response (DDR) and by inactivating HIF2α. Overexpression of HIF2α-dPA, an oxygen resistant form of HIF2α, promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation and improved myocardial outcome after experimental MI. Graphics from BioRender.com.