Study of the Myopalladin (MYPN) protein in heart regeneration to identify new mechanisms for treating heart failure
The biobank.cy Centre of Excellence of the University of Cyprus announces the launch of the innovative research project CARMMEN, entitled “Cardiac Regeneration: Investigating the Role of MYPN in Myocardiogenesis and Cardiac Tissue Repair.”
For the first time in Cyprus, the study will investigate the role of this specific protein in the process of heart regeneration, both in cellular systems and animal models. The research aims to provide answers that could lead to new therapeutic approaches for the repair of damaged myocardium and the treatment of heart failure.
To achieve this, two distinct and innovative research systems will be employed:
- Cardiac organoids – three-dimensional microscopic aggregates that contain all types of human heart cells and mimic, to a significant extent, the structure and function of the heart under laboratory conditions.
- The zebrafish experimental model, a small fish species with the remarkable ability to regenerate its heart after injury.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (www.who.int), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for 32% of all deaths worldwide. The most frequent cardiovascular conditions include acute myocardial infarction and hereditary cardiomyopathies. Both are characterised by intense and progressive loss of cardiomyocytes, accompanied by varying degrees of fibrosis. Given the heart’s limited regenerative capacity (around 1% renewal per year), the partial loss of cardiac function — due to the replacement of contractile cardiomyocytes with non-contractile fibrotic tissue — is a common outcome.
Despite significant scientific progress, current pharmacological treatments primarily alleviate the symptoms of heart disease rather than reversing the damage. Consequently, heart transplantation remains the main therapeutic option for heart failure, though it carries substantial socioeconomic limitations. In light of these challenges, the field of cardiac regenerative medicine has gained growing attention.
While the Myopalladin (MYPN) protein is known for its role in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of cardiac and skeletal muscles, its involvement in myocardiogenesis and cardiac repair remains unknown. The new study conducted by the biobank.cy Centre of Excellence at the University of Cyprus seeks to address this scientific gap.
The research project is implemented under the Post-Doc/0524 call of the “RESTART 2016–2020” Framework Programme for Research, Technological Development and Innovation in Cyprus, funded by the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF). The project is carried out by the biobank.cy Centre of Excellence of the University of Cyprus, in collaboration with the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA).
Source: University of Cyprus | Latest news (https://tinyurl.com/28f8rvky)