Italian-led Research Identifies Growth Factor for Repairing Damaged Hearts
A groundbreaking international research study led by the University of Bologna and IRCCS – Policlinico di Sant’Orsola has uncovered a key to repairing a damaged heart: growth factors. Specifically, the study has identified a growth factor known as BMP7, belonging to the bone morphogenetic protein family, that has the ability to stimulate the proliferation and regeneration of cardiac muscle cells.
Published in the journal Cell Reports, the research findings have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of heart damage caused by conditions such as myocardial infarction, infection, or certain cancer therapies. These conditions often result in the loss of heart muscle cells, which are replaced by fibrotic scar tissue and can lead to heart failure due to the limited regenerative capacity of the heart.
The study, supported by both national and international funding, including contributions from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, builds on the understanding that mammals, including humans, are capable of heart regeneration until birth, even after severe damage. By identifying BMP7 as a growth factor that promotes the proliferation of cardiomyocytes, the researchers have laid the groundwork for potential new therapies to regenerate damaged hearts.
According to Gabriele Matteo D’Uva, professor at the University of Bologna and the study’s coordinator, the discovery of BMP7 has shown promising results in tests on zebrafish and mice, with the treatment successfully stimulating the proliferation of cardiomyocytes even in adult hearts, particularly following a myocardial infarction.
The implications of this research could be significant for patients recovering from heart damage, offering a promising avenue for future treatments. The full article can be found on ANSA.it.