The work is being carried out by researchers at the UNC School of Medicine, and could have a substantial impact on the development of future treatments for broken hearts. Researchers have found a way to reprogram scar tissue cells (fibroblasts) to become healthy heart muscle cells.
The study was published in the journal Cell Stem Cell (cardiomyocytes) Researchers are looking into possibly treating or one day curing cardiac disease. They used a gene activity-controlling protein called Ascl1, which is well recognised to be an essential protein for converting fibroblasts into neurons.
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Researchers hope to use this technique to give patients injections to transform harmful cells into helpful ones. Fibroblast over-activity underlies many major diseases and conditions including heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver disease, kidney disease and the scar-like brain damage that occurs after a stroke. “
Reprogramming fibroblasts has long been one of the important goals in the field of stem cell therapy,” Qian says. A team of researchers led by Professor Yingying Qian has developed a way to reprogram mice fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, liver cells, and neurons. Qian’s team studied the variations in gene activity patterns and variables.
that control gene activity during these three separate reprogrammings. A team of researchers has discovered that converting fibroblasts into neurons activated genes related to cardiomyocytes. Ascl1, one of the master-programmer “transcription factor” proteins, was the cause of this activation. They were shocked to see that it significantly increased reprogramming efficiency by more than ten times.
Recent research has unveiled promising findings about “protein partners” that may play a crucial role in repairing cardiac muscle, offering new hope for heart disease treatment. The discovery, made by a team of scientists, identifies specific proteins that interact in ways that could potentially aid in the regeneration of damaged heart tissue, a breakthrough that could revolutionize the treatment of heart conditions such as heart attacks and chronic heart failure.
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Cardiac muscle cells, unlike many other cells in the body, do not regenerate effectively after injury. This lack of regenerative capacity is one of the reasons why heart disease, particularly after a heart attack, can lead to permanent damage and a decline in heart function. When the heart is injured, the muscle cells die and are replaced by scar tissue, which does not contract in the same way as healthy heart muscle. This disruption can lead to weakened heart function and, over time, heart failure.
Researchers have long been searching for ways to stimulate the repair of cardiac muscle, but the challenge has been finding the right combination of proteins and cellular signals to kickstart the regeneration process. In their study, scientists identified several protein partners that seem to be key players in this process. These proteins work together to promote the repair of damaged heart tissue, possibly by encouraging the growth of new cardiac muscle cells or stimulating existing cells to repair themselves.
One of the most promising aspects of this discovery is the potential for therapeutic interventions. By targeting these specific proteins, researchers could develop new drugs or gene therapies that could help patients recover from heart injuries more effectively.
This could significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications and improve the quality of life for millions of people suffering from heart disease. While the findings in the early stages, the research is being hailed as a major step forward in the fight against heart disease. Further studies are needed to fully understand how these proteins.
Hema Malini took a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, sharing a light moment with yoga guru Baba Ramdev during the event.
During the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, a light-hearted moment between actress and BJP MP Hema Malini and yoga guru Baba Ramdev has garnered attention. The incident occurred during a holy dip in the Ganges River, a ritual observed by many devotees during the Kumbh.
As Baba Ramdev emerged from the sacred waters, he performed a vigorous hair flip to clear water from his long locks. This dramatic gesture, characteristic of his energetic persona, inadvertently splashed water towards Hema Malini, who was standing nearby. Caught off guard, Hema Malini burst into laughter, adding a spontaneous and joyful touch to the solemn occasion.
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The video capturing this candid interaction quickly spread across social media platforms, with many users appreciating the unscripted display of camaraderie between the two prominent figures. Comments highlighted the human side of public personalities, noting how such moments bridge the gap between celebrities and the general populace.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is a significant religious event attracting millions of pilgrims from around the world. This year’s gathering has seen participation from various dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and celebrities, all coming together to partake in the holy rituals.
Hema Malini, known for her illustrious career in Indian cinema and her role as a parliamentarian, has been actively participating in the events at the Kumbh. She recently recited Sanskrit shlokas and spoke on the significance of Sanatan Dharma during her address at the Maha Kumbh Sabha in Prayagraj.
During the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, a light-hearted moment between actress and BJP MP Hema Malini and yoga guru Baba Ramdev has captured public attention. As both emerged from a holy dip in the Ganges River.
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Baba Ramdev performed a vigorous hair flip to clear water from his long locks. This energetic gesture inadvertently splashed water towards Hema Malini, who was standing nearby. Caught off guard, she burst into laughter, adding a spontaneous and joyful touch to the solemn occasion.
The video capturing this candid interaction quickly spread across social media platforms, with many users appreciating the unscripted display of camaraderie between the two prominent figures. Comments highlighted the human side of public personalities, noting how such moments bridge the gap between celebrities and the general populace.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, is a significant religious event attracting millions of pilgrims from around the world. This year’s gathering has seen participation from various dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and celebrities, all coming together to partake in the holy rituals.
Hema Malini, known for her illustrious career in Indian cinema and her role as a parliamentarian, has been actively participating in the events at the Kumbh. She recently recited Sanskrit shlokas and spoke on the significance of Sanatan Dharma during her address at the Maha Kumbh Sabha in Prayagraj.
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Baba Ramdev, a renowned yoga guru and proponent of Ayurveda, to has been a prominent figure at the Kumbh, leading yoga sessions and engaging with devotees. His dynamic presence and enthusiasm have been well-received by attendees.
The shared moment between Hema Malini and Baba Ramdev serves as a reminder of the unity and shared joy that the Kumbh Mela fosters among its participants, transcending social and cultural boundaries.
For a glimpse into Hema Malini’s participation at the Maha Kumbh Sabha, you can watch the following video:
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