In a proof-of-concept study, Mayo Clinic investigators have demonstrated that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can be used to treat heart disease. iPS cells are stem cells converted from adult cells. In this study, the researchers reprogrammed ordinary fibroblasts, cells that contribute to scars such as those resulting from a heart attack, converting them into stem cells that fix heart damage caused by infarction. The findings appear in the online issue of the journal Circulation.
“This study establishes the real potential for using iPS cells in cardiac treatment,” says Timothy Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., first author on the Mayo Clinic study. “Bioengineered fibroblasts acquired capacity to repair and regenerate infarcted hearts.”
This is the first application of iPS-based technology for heart disease therapy. Previously iPS cells have been used on only three other disease models: Parkinson’s disease, sickle cell anemia and hemophilia A. The ultimate goal is to use iPS cells derived from patients to repair injury. Using a person’s own cells in the process eliminates the risk of rejection and the need for anti-rejection drugs. One day this regenerative medicine strategy may alleviate the demand for organ transplantation limited by donor shortage, the researchers say.
“This iPS innovation lays the groundwork for translational applications,” comments Andre Terzic, M.D., Ph.D., Mayo Clinic physician-scientist and senior author. “Through advances in nuclear reprogramming, we should be able to reverse the fate of adult cells and customize ‘on demand’ cardiovascular regenerative medicine.”
From Damage to Repair
The Mayo Clinic team genetically reprogrammed fibroblasts via a “stemness-related” human gene set to dedifferentiate into an iPS cell capable of then re-differentiating into new heart muscle. When transplanted into damaged mouse hearts, iPS cells engrafted after two weeks, and after four weeks significantly contributed to improved structure and function of the damaged heart, in contrast to ineffective ordinary fibroblasts.
Compared to non-engineered fibroblasts, the iPS cells:
- Restored heart muscle performance lost after the heart attack
- Stopped progression of structural damage in the damaged heart
- Regenerated tissue at the site of heart damage
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Today my cardiologist told me that my ejection fraction is down to 40%. Three years ago I had two stents pput in my heart and my ejection fraction was back to 55%. Again according to the cardiologist.
I am wondering if there are any clinical trials open for stem cell research on heart repair. If you know of any that I could be a part of I would like to know.
Thank you.
Donald Ronk
From: Nelson, Timothy J., M.D., Ph.D.
There are indeed clinical trials currently ongoing throughout the world that
focuses on heart disease and stem cell treatments. Although these clinical
trials have yet to be established as the “standard of care”, many
investigators and patients are actively contributing to these emerging
studies. Mayo Clinic has established a Regenerative Medicine Consult Service
to better address the specific questions of patients regarding stem cell
therapies with the goal of linking patients to the proper clinical trials.
The Regenerative Medicine Consult Service within the Transplant Center at
Mayo Clinic Rochester would be able to provide current updates on these
topics.
The number for Dr. Nelson’s appointment coordinator in the Regenerative Medicine Consult Service is 8-5908.
Her name is Sarah Bruggeman.
From the information i have my heart is working at 14% – I am 70 years old and would like more information about your stem cell work.
Thanks