New started cells found on the surface of the heart give rise to heart muscle cells according to Children’s Hospital of Boston researchers. The findings are thought to be the precursor for the ability to rebuild injured heart tissue.
Previously, research lead to the discovery of two different types of
Stem cells marked by the activity of the NKX2-5 gene and the Isl1 gene are responsible for forming many parts of the heart. This study focused on yet a third type of stem cell marked by the Wt1 gene.
The findings are of benefit to the health community who is constantly on the lookout for cardiomyocytes, or heart cells. During heart disease or other heart illnesses, cardiomyocytes are destroyed and the only way to increase their numbers again is to make more of the cells.
Researchers, going into this study, knew the surface cells of the heart held the ability to give rise to smooth muscles, but the fact that they may also work as cardiomyocytes is a new finding.
The new precursor cells have the ability to turn into smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and fibroblasts; providing a whole tissue regenerative possibility.
