Thymosin Beta 4 May Help Heal a "Broken Heart"

Studies show that a natural protein called thymosin ß4 (Tß4) can activate stem cells in mouse hearts to replace damaged tissue with new muscle cells. Damage to the heart muscle cells called cardiomyocytes, are usually irreparable. Scientists from University College London Institute of Child Health knew that stem cells expressing the gene Wt1 could become cardiomyocytes. So they injected mice with the protein tß4 every day for a week. They also stitched one of the animal’s arteries together, to mimic a heart attack. The mice do survive, so that it is possible to study the effect the protein has on the gene expression.

Just two days after the operation, the cells expressing the gene Wt1 where on the outer layer of the heart. By two weeks the cells moved inside of the heart, around the injury, and looked just like cardiomyocytes. The scientists believe the protein may have a chemical effect on the stem cell’s DNA that effect the gene expression. The protein in a sense “wakes up” the gene WT1 in stem cells.

Studies on thymosin ß4 injections on humans have already passed safety trials. I think this is excellent find; it will surely help us treat people who are prone to heart disease or are currently having heart problems. Further studies and clinical trials will truly show if this is an effective way to treat heart disease.