Scientists trace the molecular roots of potentially fatal heart condition
At a glance:
Research using heart cells from squirrels, mice and people identifies an evolutionary mechanism critical for heart muscle function
Gene defect that affects a protein found in the heart muscle interferes with this mechanism to cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a potentially fatal heart condition
Imbalance in the ratio of active and inactive protein disrupts heart muscle’s ability to contract and relax normally, interferes with heart muscle’s energy consumption
Treatment with a small-molecule drug restores proper contraction, energy consumption in human and rodent heart cells
If affirmed in subsequent studies, the results can inform therapies that could halt disease progression, help prevent common complications, including arrhythmias and heart failure
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