In an unprecedented move, Newcastle University’s research team led by Dr. Gavin Richardson is investigating a new approach to increase the pool of viable heart donors. The focus of this intriguing research is on the role of ‘Zombie’ cells, offering a fresh perspective on heart health and transplant eligibility.
‘Zombie’ cells or senescent cells, are cells that, while not entirely dead, do not function as they should. According to the British Heart Foundation, these cells release molecules that adversely affect neighboring cells, causing inflammation and the formation of scar tissue in heart muscle, thus potentially elevating the risk of heart diseases.
According to data from the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death in the United States, emphasizing the urgent need for viable donor hearts. By studying the ‘signature’ that ‘Zombie’ cells leave in the blood, researchers aim to gain a deeper understanding of the biological age of the heart, which could revolutionize donor heart suitability assessment.
The potential impact of this research is substantial. Dr. Richardson’s team hopes that, by recognizing ‘Zombie’ cell signatures, they could identify previously discarded older donor hearts as viable for transplant, offering hope to those on the transplant waiting list.
