Monday, July 21, 2014

Biological Pacemaker Using Gene Therapy


Researchers recently induced ordinary cardiac muscle fibers into becoming functioning pacemaker cells by injecting a therapeutic gene.

Working with pigs, a common model for human cardiovascular research, researchers first destroyed the natural pacemaker cells in each subject's heart and installed an electronic pacemaker. They then inserted a gene for transcription factor TBX18 into cardiac muscle tissue using an adenovirus.  Using adenovirous vectors for inserting genes is a common strategy in gene therapy.

Within a couple of days, ordinary myocardial fibers had developed the structure and function of pacemaker cells.  In about 5 days, the electronic pacemakers were no longer needed.

However, this biological pacemaking peaked at about 8 days, then eventually disappeared.  This may occur because the virus-infected cells are probably destroyed by the body's immune defenses.  So researchers are thinking that perhaps, at the very least, this could eventually lead to a temporary treatment for certain arrythmias in humans.


What can we use from this in teaching undergraduate A&P?  


  • This is an interesting bit of news that helps illustrate the frontiers of human biomedical sciences.
  • This story provides a good case to provoke a discussion of the nature of gene therapy.  
    • Why did the effect last only 8 or so day?  
    • What does this tell us about transcription factor TBX18?  
    • What benefit might this treatment have if developed for humans?
  • This may add interest to an discussion of the function of the electrical system of the heart in general, and artificial pacemakers in particular.
  • The case also provides a scenario in which the body attacks and destroys virus-infected cells.
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Want to know more?


Next Generation: Biological Pacemakers

  • R Williams, The Scientist (the-scientist.com) July 16, 2014
  • Plain-English article summarizing the discovery.  Includes quotes from the researchers.
  • my-ap.us/1ruocYu


Biological pacemaker created by minimally invasive somatic reprogramming in pigs with complete heart block
  • Y-F. Hu et al., Science Translational Medicine, 6:245ra94, 2014. DOI:10.1126/scitranslmed.3008681
  • Original research report.
  • my-ap.us/1nfErcA
FREE image you can use in your course

Photo credit: vfdbsn

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