Can microRNAs promote heart repair?
Mauro Giacca and colleagues identified 40 different microRNAs that boost the proliferation of cultured rodent heart muscle cells. The two most potent microRNAs were then injected into the hearts of mice
that had had heart attacks, reducing infarct size and prompting a near-complete functional recovery of the heart.
The mammalian heart is poorly regenerating, and researchers have put a lot of effort into finding molecules that stimulate the proliferation of heart muscle cells. These microRNAs seem to work by influencing the levels of over 40 different cellular genes, and it is hoped their discovery will aid the development of human regenerative therapies.
http://webshare.icgeb.org//data/public/21967933aa0587d61a5987c1147fb470.php?lang=en
Press Releases:
5 December 2012
Nature: Functional screening identifies miRNAs inducing cardiac regeneration
Nature: News & Comment: Heart cells coaxed to divide and conquer. The heart does have a limited ability to heal itself — and a genetic 'trick' can harness this.
Nature: News & Views: Cardiovascular biology: A boost for heart regeneration
New Scientist: Gene switch found to help a heart heal itself
CONTACT
Mauro Giacca (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy)
Tel: +39 040 3757324; E-mail: [email protected]