Regeneration of cardiomyocytes by miRNA spells Relief
December 9th, 2012
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A recent article by Eulalio and colleagues reports the discovery of a group of miRNAs that reprogram cardiomyocytes to grow and repair a damaged heart. “Micro” RNA are small, non-coding bits of RNA that are hidden throughout the genome and have only recently been discovered to play an important role in the expression of genes. Tissues like cardiomyocytes from adults don’t grow, and expression of these miRNAs appears to change their programming so that they resume dividing. This particular work holds great promise for future therapies for heart disease, however that doesn’t necessary mean kicking back on the healthy food and exercise just yet.