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In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have found that inhibiting calcium influx in cardiomyocytes can promote cardiac regeneration, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of ischemic heart failure. The study, published in npj Regenerative Medicine, presents a novel approach that could pave the way for new therapeutic interventions aimed at heart tissue regeneration.
The research team, comprising scientists from the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine, the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane, Australia, and other collaborating institutions, explored the impact of calcium modulation on cardiomyocyte proliferation.
“When the heart cannot replace injured cardiomyocytes with healthy ones, it progressively weakens, leading to heart failure,” said Dr. Riham Abouleisa, assistant professor in the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Baylor and co-corresponding author of the study. “Our study investigated a new method to stimulate cardiomyocyte proliferation to aid in cardiac repair.”
Previous studies highlighted calcium’s critical role in cardiomyocyte proliferation. In this research, the team examined how reducing calcium influx in these cells affects their ability to regenerate. Their findings indicate that inhibiting the L-Type Calcium Channel (LTCC), a key regulator of calcium in cardiomyocytes, enhances the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation.
“By preventing calcium influx, we observed increased cardiomyocyte replication,” said Dr. Abouleisa. “This suggests that LTCC inhibition could be a potential target for developing heart regenerative therapies.”
The study demonstrated that both pharmacological and genetic inhibition of LTCC led to cardiomyocyte replication by modulating calcineurin activity, a well-known regulator of cardiomyocyte proliferation. These promising results were observed in human cardiac slices grown in the lab and in live animal models.
Dr. Tamer Mohamed, co-author and director of Baylor College of Medicine’s Laboratory for Cardiac Regeneration, emphasized the significance of these findings. “Dr. Abouleisa’s multi-continent collaborations have led to a discovery that could change how we use current medicines regulating calcium entry, such as Nifedipine, in heart failure treatment.”
Adding to the excitement, Dr. Todd K. Rosengart, chair and professor of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, remarked, “The premise of regenerating heart tissue, which once seemed like an impossible dream, is coming closer to reality. The work of Dr. Abouleisa and the Baylor cardiac regeneration team represents a major step toward human trials.”
The study’s findings underscore the potential of targeting calcium signaling pathways in unlocking the heart’s regenerative abilities. This research opens new avenues for the development of cardiac regenerative therapies, offering hope for millions suffering from heart failure.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult their healthcare providers before considering any changes to their treatment plans based on emerging research.
