Heart disease in mice reversed

Tiny fragments of genetic material may play a great role in the development of heart disease. By modifying the genetic material, scientists have halted the progress of heart disease in mice and even reversed some of its effects.

A recent study published in the journal Nature provides evidence for the fact that tiny fragments of genetic material – micro RNA – plays a major role in heart disease progression. Using this information, scientists developed a new modality of treatment which targets and blocks the specific microRNA in heart muscle cells. The role of micro RNA in the development of many diseases have been suggested by scientists in the past few years. The researchers at university of Texas, Southwestern Medical Centre found out microRNA – 21 to be involved in the fibrotic scar that develops in the heart. Until recently this scar formation was thought to be an irreversible process. By genetic engineering, the scientists are able to modify the gene for microRNA-21 and hence prevent the process of fibrosis which plays a major role in degradation of heart function.

There is much potential in this area of research. Further studies are to be carried out before this technology can be successfully applied in humans.