Gene therapy saves failing hearts

Abstract

There is no cure for a failing heart – only the symptoms can be treated. However, a new study provides the exciting prospect of gene therapy to counteract one of the causes of heart failure. Cardiac dysfunction, especially left ventricular dysfunction, is a common occurrence after myocardial infarction. Norepinephrine binds to β-adrenergic receptors on the surface of cardiac myocytes leading to heart muscle contractions. Failing hearts have higher levels of β-adrenergic receptor kinase (βARK). This desensitizes the β-adrenergic receptors and reduces the norepinephrine signaling, reducing contractions.