| Title | Pluripotency Factor OCT4 Could Reduce Heart Attacks and Strokes | |
| Date | Tuesday May 24 2016, @03:29AM | |
| Author | cmn32480 | |
| Topic | ||
| from the have-a-heart dept. | ||
The gene Oct4 is being investigating for its role in preventing heart attacks and strokes, as well as possible applications in regenerative medicine:
University of Virginia School of Medicine have discovered that a gene called Oct4 — which scientific dogma insists is inactive in adults — actually plays a vital role in preventing ruptured atherosclerotic plaques inside blood vessels, the underlying cause of most heart attacks and strokes.
The researchers found that Oct4 controls the conversion of smooth muscle cells into protective fibrous "caps" inside plaques, making the plaques less likely to rupture. They also discovered that the gene promotes many changes in gene expression that are beneficial in stabilizing the plaques. In addition, the researchers believe it may be possible to develop drugs or other therapeutic agents that target the Oct4 pathway as a way to reduce the incidence of heart attacks or stroke.
The researchers are also currently testing Oct4′s possible role in repairing cellular damage and healing wounds, which would make it useful for regenerative medicine.
Activation of the pluripotency factor OCT4 in smooth muscle cells is atheroprotective (DOI: 10.1038/nm.4109)
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