5 October 2011
Scientists Identify a Genetic Link for a ‘Heavy Heart’
An international research team led by the Medical Research Council (MRC) has for the first time pinpointed a single gene associated with one of the leading causes of heart thickening and failure.
Scientists have found that the Endog gene in rats and mice influences the thickness of the muscular heart wall, how well the heart pumps and how much fat accumulates inside the organ.
The researchers say the findings, published today in the journal Nature, bring them one step closer to developing new treatments that target the underlying causes of heart conditions, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Professor Stuart Cook from the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre at Imperial College London, who led the study, said:
“Our study shows that the Endog gene, which was previously thought to be involved in cell death, actually plays an important role in the enlargement of the heart, which can lead to heart failure and eventually death in the worst cases. We found that a faulty copy of this gene causes the heart to become thick and fatty, making it ‘heavy’ with poor function.
“It does this by interfering with the heart cells’ energy source – the mitochondria. Like any other muscle in our body, the heart needs energy to keep it pumping. If the mitochondria don’t work properly, the heart struggles to make enough energy and the cells produce toxic by-products, called reactive oxidative species, which increase thickening of the heart wall.”
Enlargement of the heart is one of the many causes of heart failure, where the heart can’t pump blood around the body properly because the muscle is weak, stiff or has been damaged.
While some cases of enlarged heart are caused by other medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, a person’s genetic makeup can also play an important role.
Previous studies have shown a link between heart wall thickening (cardiac hypertrophy) and several sections of the genetic code, but this is the first time researchers have isolated a single gene, using sophisticated DNA sequencing approaches.
“Our findings give us a new insight into how the mitochondria exert control over the thickness of main chamber of the heart,” added Professor Cook. “We can now start to investigate new ways to develop treatments which target the mitochondria and toxic oxidative molecules.”
Professor Amanda Fisher, Director of the MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, said:
“What’s fascinating about this study is that it identifies the function of a gene which was totally unpredicted to be involved in enlargement of the heart. This discovery emphasises the importance of deciphering the genetic code of a broad range of mammals alongside that of humans eventually to allow us explore new avenues for better targeted drugs.”
Professor Peter Weissberg, Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation, said:
“This study has discovered a gene which seems to hold the key to causing a ‘heavy heart’. An enlarged or heavy heart is a significant cause of multiple heart problems – including heart failure – that can have a profound impact on people’s quality of life.
“The finding could pave the way for new treatments to prevent the development of a heavy heart. Hopefully, in the future, we’ll be able to target the root cause of some patients’ heart conditions rather than treating the resulting symptoms.”
The research was a collaboration between scientists in Europe, the US and Japan, and was co-funded by the MRC, the Fondation Leducq, the UK National Institute for Health Research and the British Heart Foundation amongst others.
MRC Press Office
Phone: 020 7395 2345
Out of hours phone: 07818 428 297
Email: press.office@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk
Notes
Original Research paper: Endonuclease G is a novel determinant of cardiac hypertrophy and mitochondrial function is published in Nature.
There are around 700,000 people living with heart failure in the UK and it is estimated that there are more than 27,000 new cases each year. Overall in the UK, incidence of heart failure is 60 per cent higher in men compared with women. Incidence of heart failure increases with age and is highest in adults over 75 years old.
For almost 100 years the Medical Research Council has improved the health of people in the UK and around the world by supporting the highest quality science. The MRC invests in world-class scientists. It has produced 29 Nobel Prize winners and sustains a flourishing environment for internationally recognised research. The MRC focuses on making an impact and provides the financial muscle and scientific expertise behind medical breakthroughs, including one of the first antibiotics penicillin, the structure of DNA and the lethal link between smoking and cancer. Today MRC funded scientists tackle research into the major health challenges of the 21st century. www.mrc.ac.uk
The National Institute for Health Research provides the framework through which the research staff and research infrastructure of the NHS in England is positioned, maintained and managed as a national research facility. The NIHR provides the NHS with the support and infrastructure it needs to conduct first-class research funded by the Government and its partners alongside high-quality patient care, education and training. Its aim is to support outstanding individuals (both leaders and collaborators), working in world class facilities (both NHS and university), conducting leading edge research focused on the needs of patients. http://www.nihr.ac.uk/
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is the nation’s heart charity, dedicated to saving lives through pioneering research, patient care, campaigning for change and by providing vital information. But we urgently need help. We rely on donations of time and money to continue our life-saving work. Because together we can beat heart disease. For more information visit bhf.org.uk/pressoffice
Consistently rated amongst the world's best universities, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 14,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality. Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and business, delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.
Since its foundation in 1907, Imperial's contributions to society have included the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of research for the benefit of all continues today, with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to improve global health, tackle climate change, develop sustainable sources of energy and address security challenges.
In 2007, Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust formed the UK's first Academic Health Science Centre. This unique partnership aims to improve the quality of life of patients and populations by taking new discoveries and translating them into new therapies as quickly as possible. Website: www.imperial.ac.uk