In the last decade, stem cells isolated from the heart have demonstrated potential for encouraging the heart to repair itself, an approach called “regenerative medicine.” But there has been uncertainty among researchers about the best type and combination of stem cells.
In a study published in Nature Communications, a team from the ICL and the British Heart Foundation found that stem cells with heart repairing properties carry an identifying protein on their surface, called “PDGFR alpha.”
They were able to use this protein to find a particular type of stem cell that could have the most potential yet for heart regenerative medicine.
Researchers said mice treated with these stem cells were able to recover and repair a significant proportion of their damaged heart muscle after 12 weeks, preventing heart failure.
By Ruchi Singh
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