Scientists At UCLA Discover Protein That Repairs Heart Damage

UCLA researchers have identified a protein called GPNMB that may significantly aid heart recovery after a heart attack, SciTech Daily reported yesterday.

Released by bone marrow-derived immune cells known as macrophages, GPNMB promotes tissue repair by binding to the GPR39 receptor, initiating a cascade of signals that enhance healing and reduce scarring.

In studies using animal models, mice lacking GPNMB exhibited severe complications, including a higher incidence of heart rupture, while those with normal GPNMB levels showed improved heart function when given additional doses of the protein. This discovery opens new avenues for potential treatments aimed at preventing heart failure, a leading cause of morbidity following heart attacks.

The implications of GPNMB extend beyond cardiac health, with future research planned to explore its role in repairing other organs affected by ischemic injury. The study was published in Nature Cardiovascular Research and led by Dr. Arjun Deb, highlighting the protein’s therapeutic potential yet to be tested in human trials.