Synthetic cardiac stem cells have successfully repaired the hearts of mice after a heart attack. They are as effective as their natural counterpart but stronger.
The efficiency of human stem cells, without their fragility. Chinese-American researchers have succeeded in developing synthetic heart stem cells. Tested in vitro and in mice, they are particularly stable compared to their natural equivalent. A discovery, described in Nature Communications, which could change the management of many diseases. Three teams sign this publication: two come from North Carolina State University (United States) and one from Zhengzhou University (China).
More resistant cells
This international collaboration began with the development of microparticles capable of mimicking human cells. They are composed of PLGA, a biodegradable polymer but above all compatible with the human body. These microparticles produced, the researchers carried out a work of harvesting growth factors on human cardiac stem cells placed in culture. These proteins were added to PLGA.
The last step was to line the particles with natural stem cell membranes. “We took the contents and the envelope of the stem cells, and we packed them in a biodegradable particle,” summarizes Ke Cheng, co-author of the study. The result: synthetic heart stem cells. The test in vitro proved convincing. Like their human counterpart, these products promote the growth of heart muscle cells. However, they are more robust.
“Like an inactivated vaccine”
Fragility is the main problem with human stem cells. They must be stored under very precise conditions. Before they can be used in the clinic, a long characterization process is required. The synthetic equivalents developed are more resistant to cryonics and thawing. In addition, they do not have to come from the patient himself. It remained to prove their effectiveness on a live model.
Several mice were used in these tests. All of them suffered a myocardial infarction. A valuable model, because this cardiac incident leads to the death of heart cells in a variable area. This causes muscle contraction problems and, in some cases, heart failure. The transplant of stem cells would stimulate the repair of the organ. But this technique is currently expensive and at the stage of clinical trials.
Many applications
Synthetic cells present a tempting alternative. They are able to bind to the heart muscle, to release growth factors that allow it to heal. But that’s not all. Replication is not possible. The risk of tumor formation is therefore reduced. “Synthetic cells work in a manner similar to an inactivated vaccine,” explains Ke Cheng. So you have the benefits of stem cells without the risks. “
Researchers are rather optimistic about the application of such technology. According to them, it could spread to other types of stem cells. “We hope this will be the first step towards a stem cell product on the market that will allow patients to receive the therapy they need without delay,” says Ke Cheng. The fields of use are indeed multiple.
Stem cell therapy can intervene as soon as external repair is impossible. Doctors then teach the body to repair itself, using proteins and genetic material. A useful approach in the fight against cancer, rejection in the event of a transplant… but also against genetic diseases.
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