Researchers from the Bakkers group at the Hubrecht Institute have successfully repaired damaged mouse hearts using the protein Hmga1 from zebrafish.
Key Highlights
- Research Team: Bakkers Group, Hubrecht Institute.
- Key Protein: Hmga1 (High Mobility Group A1) – involved in embryonic development and cellular growth.
- Challenge: The Hmga1 gene is present in mice and humans too, however, In mice and humans, this gene becomes inactive after embryonic development, preventing natural regeneration of heart tissue after damage, such as a heart attack.
Discoveries and Methodology
- Zebrafish Insights:
- Zebrafish possess active Hmga1 genes during heart regeneration.
- The protein clears molecular “roadblocks” on chromatin, allowing inactive genes to become active and promote tissue repair.
- Mouse Heart Regeneration:
- Researchers applied zebrafish-derived Hmga1 protein directly to damaged mouse hearts.
- Results:
- Heart muscle cells began dividing and growing in the damaged area.
- Significant improvements in heart function were observed.
- Notably, regeneration was restricted to the damaged regions, minimizing the risk of unintended effects elsewhere.
Zebrafish as a Model Organism
- Advantages:
- Transparent embryos develop outside of its mother rapidly (eggs to larvae in three days).
- Their regenerative capacity allows them to fully repair heart damage within 60 days.
Implications and Future Directions
- Potential Therapies: Targeted regenerative treatments for heart attack patients could emerge, leveraging Hmga1’s ability to reactivate dormant repair mechanisms.
- Next Steps:
- Further research to ensure safety and efficacy in humans.
- Understanding Hmga1’s molecular pathways in greater depth.
(Sources: Hubrecht Institute)
