A method for heart recovery after a heart attack has been discovered

Breakthrough in cardiology: American scientists "awakened" a dormant gene to restore the heart after a heart attack. Researchers from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University discovered that activation of the PSAT1 gene, usually "silent" in the adult body, triggers regeneration of the heart muscle. The revolutionary results were published in the prestigious journal Theranostics.

The PSAT1 gene, which plays a crucial role in cell growth during the embryonic stage of development, is practically inactive in the mature heart. Scientists developed synthetic mRNA with this gene and applied it to mice immediately after a heart attack. The results were impressive: the experimental animals showed increased proliferation of cardiomyocytes, significantly reduced scar tissue formation, development of new blood vessels, and substantially improved heart functionality.

The study revealed that PSAT1 activates the serine synthesis metabolic pathway, which is critical for protecting cells from stress and repairing damaged DNA. It was also established that PSAT1's effectiveness is directly linked to the YAP1 protein, a known stimulator of regenerative processes. When this pathway was blocked, the therapeutic effect completely disappeared, confirming its key role in the recovery mechanism.

The innovative method is based on modRNA technology, which gained widespread recognition through its application in COVID-19 vaccines. This technology ensures delivery of genetic material to cells without interfering with DNA structure, minimizing the risk of long-term complications. Researchers have high hopes that in the future, similar approaches will not only treat the consequences of heart attacks but also prevent the development of heart failure through complete organ regeneration.