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Novel Biological Treatment Paradigm for Heart Failure
Children's Hospital Boston
posted on 07/15/2010
The laboratory of Bernhard Kuhn, MD has demonstrated that differentiated heart muscle cells, cardiomyocytes, can be induced to proliferate and regenerate. Dr. Kuhn has identified an underlying molecular mechanism for controlling this process that involves the growth factor neuregulin1 (NRG1) and its tyrosine kinase receptor, ErbB4. In experiments conducted in rats, injection of NRG1, which is a naturally-occurring protein, induces cardiomyocyte cell-cycle activity and promotes myocardial regeneration, which led to improved function and structure after myocardial infarction. Thus using NRG1 as a therapeutic in humans may induce myocardial regeneration and cardiac repair—and improve heart function. This biologic therapeutic would be a short term, minimally-invasive therapy that is locally delivered post injury.
File Number: CMCC 1651
Other Information:
*Investigator(s)*
Bernhard Kuhn
*Contact*
Peter Hodges, Peter.Hodges@childrens.harvard.edu
This innovation currently is not available for online licensing. Please contact David Altman at Children's Hospital Boston for more information.
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