Gene That Prevents Heart Attacks, Stroke Found, Possibly Lead To Drugs That Delay the Aging Process

Scientists have discovered a gene that is believed to protect against heart attacks and stroke. They also believe that this gene might be able to delay the aging process. The strand of DNA responsible - dubbed the 'fountain of youth' gene - had previously been thought to be inactive in adults.

The single gene believed to be responsible for all these Oct4. It was thought to be active in embryos but somehow silenced as a person reached adulthood. But the new discovery now hopes to open a new avenue for those fighting deadly conditions, and raise the beautiful possibility that one day doctors will be able to use the gene to protect or delay the effects of aging.

In a report by Science Daily, researcher Gary K. Owens, PhD, director of UVA's Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center said that finding a way to improve the expression of the gene in adult cells may have extreme implications for promoting health and possibly reversing some of the negative effects that accompany aging. Oct4 plays an important role in the development of all living organisms, but scientists have, until now, thought that it was permanently inactivated after embryonic development.

Some questionable studies have implied that it may have other function later in life; however the researchers from University of Virginia School of Medicine are the first to give conclusive evidence that the gene plays a critical protective role during the formation of atherosclerotic plaques inside blood vessels. The rupturing of these plaques is the underlying cause of many heart attacks and strokes, as Owens and his colleagues have determined.

"Our findings have major implications regarding possible novel therapeutic approaches for promoting stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques," said Olga A. Cherepanova, PhD, a senior research scientist in Owens' lab.

Dr. Owens and his colleagues have also determined the gene that plays a crucial protective role in the formation of key plaques inside the blood vessels. The rupturing of these plaques is the underlying cause of many heart attacks and strokes. Dailymail.co.uk also reported that the researchers found that Oct4 controls how protective fibrous 'caps' are created inside the plaques which make the plaques less likely to burst.

One surprising finding from UVA's research is when researchers blocked the effect of Oct4 in mice; they thought the atherosclerotic plaques might become smaller, because of the reduced number of smooth muscle cells inside. Instead, the plaques grew larger, less stable and more dangerous, stuffed with lipids, dead cells and other damaging components.

While this research has focused on the protection Oct4 offers the heart, Dr. Owens and his colleagues believe the gene could also be important in the field of regenerative medicine. The field investigates the growth and replacement of tissues and organs.

The researchers believe that Oct4 and its family of target genes are activated in other, non-reproductive cells in the body - and play a key role in the cells' ability to repair damage and heal wounds.  Studies to test their theory are underway in Dr. Owens' lab.