SDSU Researchers Discover Protein that Regenerates Heart Cells

Contact:
Lorena Nava
Media Relations Specialist
San Diego State University
lnava@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO (Monday, Nov. 26, 2007) — While tissue and cell regeneration a la the television program "Heroes" may be sci-fi fantasy, San Diego State University researchers brought the possibility a little bit closer to reality after discovering a protein in the heart that helps cells survive injury and regenerate after damage.

The research study, published online in the journal Nature Medicine, found that Pim-1, a protein that signals changes in cell behavior, can not only help regenerate heart cells, but also enhance their survival. The discovery could have long-ranging effects in helping those suffering from heart disease and assisting with the repair of the heart after traumatic events, like heart attacks.

"The heart was never designed to replace cells that are lost in large quantities, which is what happens during and following a heart attack. It’s only designed to replace cells lost from everyday activity of normal life," said SDSU Heart Institute member and lead researcher in the study Mark Sussman. "However, by using Pim-1, we can activate stem cells in the heart and regenerate heart cells that can help enhance long-term survival and recovery of cardiac function."

In ongoing studies conducted by the Sussman lab, researchers took stem cells out of the heart and engineered them via molecular biology to express Pim-1. After engineering the heart stem cells, they were then implanted back into hearts injured by a coronary blockage simulating a heart attack. After implantation, researchers found that Pim-1 did a remarkable job of enhancing regeneration of heart muscle cells.

Pim-1, which had not been examined in the heart prior to this study, is abundant in the heart during neonatal development, but decreases after birth, only to re-emerge after traumatic injury to the heart. In comparison, bone marrow has high level Pim-1 expression throughout life to promote new blood cell production by enhancing survival and proliferation of stem cells.

The research study was funded via the five-year, $9.5 million program project grant that SDSU Heart Institute researchers received from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, in 2006. Program project grants are among the largest and most competitive grants awarded by the NIH. The study is the result of the first year and a half of research on heart cell mitochondria, which are the energy centers of cells.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 700,000 people die from heart disease in the United States, about 29 percent of all deaths annually. Heart disease is a term that includes several more specific heart conditions. The most common heart disease in the United States is coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack.

The SDSU Heart Institute is sponsored by SDSU’s College of Sciences and College of Health and Human Services and includes approximately 30 faculty members from a number of health-related disciplines. Its mission is to promote research and teaching programs relating to heart and cardiovascular system performance in health and disease, and to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease and its prevention in the greater San Diego area.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 74 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s  approximately 35,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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