Researchers had discovered a micropeptide
named DWORF (Dwarf Open Reading Frame),
which helps in maintaining the heart’s structural
and functional effects during Cardiomyopathy.
displacing a molecule that inhibits SERCA,
DWORF can bind directly with SERCA
(Calcium pump- essential for heart’s contraction
and relaxation) and enhance its activity.Recent studies suggested that DWORF works by called phospholamban (PLN). To investigate this further, they engineered mice to have higher levels of DWORF and/or PLN in the heart and then studied the effects.
The results were quite
satisfying, the higher level of DWORF not only
prevent the cardiomyopathy but also prevent its
physical hallmarks. "Previous attempts to restore
SERCA to protect against heart failure have been
unsuccessful because they have focused on
increasing levels of SERCA itself," explains
senior author Eric Olson, Professor in Stem Cell
Research at UT South-western Medical Centre."We believe that increasing levels of DWORF instead may be more feasible, and that the small size of the DWORF molecule could make it an attractive candidate for a gene therapy drug for heart failure."Read More on How Researchers Develop Microscope to Track Light Energy Flow in Photosynthetic Cells
Citation: Catherine A Makarewich, Amir Z Munir,
Gabriele G Schiattarella, Svetlana Bezprozvannaya,
Olga N Raguimova, Ellen E Cho, Alexander H Vidal,
Seth L Robia, Rhonda Bassel- Duby, Eric N Olson.
The DWORF micropeptide enhances contractility and
prevents heart failure in a mouse model of dilated
cardiomyopathy. eLife, 2018; 7 DOI:
10.7554/eLife.38319
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