A transient modified mRNA encoding Myc and cyclin T1 improves cardiac function after myocardial injury
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Myc is an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor that is necessary for the restoration of tissues in multiple regenerative species. The adult mammalian heart lacks regenerative capacity and cardiomyocytes fail to divide following damage-induced signaling. Transgenic expression of Myc and cyclin T1 can drive substantial adult cardiomyocyte proliferation to replace lost cardiomyocytes. Here, using transgenic models and a prototypical mRNA therapeutic, we show that Myc and cyclin T1 require transient induction for cardiomyocyte proliferation that leads to myocardial repair and functional recovery after myocardial infarction in mice. This research provides a strategy to translate Myc–cyclin T1 coexpression for cardiac regeneration to address serious unmet needs in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
Source: Nature Cardiovascular Research
Authors: Aleksandra Boikova, Gregory A. Quaife-Ryan, Christopher A. P. Batho, Rowda Dahir, Henrietta Cserne Szappanos, Harley Robinson, Elsa Lawrence, Camilla Ascanelli, Jin Seok Lee, Kypros Kyprianou Kokonos, Karin Jennbacken, Christopher R. Hunter, Patricia G. Rodrigues, Gina Hyberg, Qing-Dong Wang, Kenny M. Hansson, Adam Seaton, Maria Victoria Rodriguez Noci, Alby Biju, Silvia Da Pra, Gabriele D’Uva, Megan Bywater, Jasmin Straube, Kamil A. Sokolowski, Brian W. C. Tse, Thomas Krieg, Ana Vujic, Mauro Giacca, Enzo R. Porrello, Sanjay Sinha, James E. Hudson, Catherine H. Wilson
Institutions: University of Cambridge, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Prince Charles Hospital, Queensland University of Technology, The Gurdon Institute, AstraZeneca (Sweden), University of Bologna, IRCCS Azienda Ospedliero-Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico di Sant'Orsola, Translational Research Institute, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Trieste, King's College London, British Heart Foundation, Royal Children's Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Wellcome/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, The University of Queensland
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $12,690
OpenAlex ID: W7225641371