Aging Heart Cells Rejuvenated by Modified Stem Cells

Scientists at San Diego State University’s Heart Institute (California, USA) have successfully rejuvenated elderly heart failure patients’ heart cells with modified stem cells, suggesting a future potential for such rejuvenated cells to be used to repair damaged heart muscles.  Sadia Mohsin and colleagues biopsied elderly patients to procure stem cells, then modified them in the laboratory with PIM-1, a protein that promotes cell survival and growth.  Cells were rejuvenated when the modified stem cells enhanced activity of an enzyme called telomerase, which elongates telomere length. Telomeres are the endcaps of chromosomes that facilitate cell replication; it is currently thought that aging and disease results when telomeres break off.   The technique increased telomere length and activity, as well as increasing cardiac stem cell proliferation, all vital steps in combating heart failure.