Can exosome-derived miRNA be harnessed to activate endogenous expansion of the endothelium post myocardial infarction?

Narrowing of the coronary arteries can lead to a heart attack. This event leads to the massive loss of cells in the affected region of the heart. Patients who survive a heart attack cannot regenerate this region of the heart and the tissue scars and does not function correctly; ultimately leading to heart failure. To prevent this extensive scarring of the heart, we are working towards improving blood flow to the affected region and in parallel to reduce the build-up of damaging tissue fluid and immune cells. Collectively this will help prevent loss of functional heart tissue and establish conditions within the injured heart to facilitate better fucntion of the heart. Our strategy is to use exosomes and RNA molecules to improve function of the small blood vessels via the activation of existing heart tissue thus generating new vessels from within. If successful, our work will provide substantial new scientific knowledge as to how to improve blood and lymphatic flow after a heart attack and might provide a new option for patient care.