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Scar tissue can be "reprogrammed" into the heart muscle
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College have proved that it is possible to "reprogram" the cells of scar tissue that form after myocardial infarction, so that they become functional muscle cells.
A "cocktail" of three specific genes can act on scar cells, stimulating the growth of blood vessels, which leads to the healing of scars.
"The idea of reprogramming scar tissue into a functional cardiac muscle is amazing," says Dr. Todd Rosengart, lead author of the study. - Theoretically, if a person undergoes extensive myocardial infarction, the doctor can insert these three genes into the scar tissue during the operation and thus "reprogram" it into the cardiac muscle. However, animal studies have shown that in combination with the VEGF gene this effect is enhanced. "
The researchers say that they will continue to study this effect to understand the activity of these genes and determine whether they can have a greater effect on the work of the heart and other human organs.
During a heart attack, the way of blood supply to the heart is cut off, as a result of which the heart muscle dies, the work of the heart is difficult. In the end, most people who have had serious heart attacks will develop heart failure.
"Reprogramming" of scars in the heart muscle will strengthen the heart. To perform such "reprogramming" during the operation, the team moved the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a signal protein produced by cells to stimulate vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, in the heart of the rat.
Three weeks later, rats received Gata4 or Mef 2c, or Tbx5 (a cocktail of transcription factor genes) or inactive material. The transcription factor binds to specific DNA sequences and triggers a process that converts genetic information into a protein.
In animals that received a "cocktail" of genes, the amount of scar tissue was reduced by half compared to animals that did not receive genes.
The hearts of the animals that received the gene cocktail worked better, which was demonstrated by cardiac contractions than those who did not receive a "portion" of the genes.
The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor has a real perspective and can be used as part of a new technique for treating a heart attack, which will minimize the damage to the heart.
"This is a significant discovery with far-reaching therapeutic prospects," commented the researchers. "If such a" reprogramming "can be done in the heart, then it is possible in the kidneys, the brain, and other tissues. This opens up a whole new way for tissue regeneration. "
If further research of scientists on human cells confirm their beneficial effect, then new ways will open in the treatment of millions of people who suffer from heart failure.