A research team at the Hannover Medical School (MHH) has discovered a previously unknown microprotein that plays an important role in repairing the heart after a heart attack. The protein BRICK1 promotes the formation of new blood vessels in the infarct region and protects still functional heart muscle cells. This opens up a new approach for the treatment of heart failure after a heart attack.

Every year, more than 200,000 people suffer a heart attack in Germany. In this case, heart muscle tissue dies and scars because it is no longer sufficiently supplied with blood and oxygen. In contrast to the liver, the adult heart can hardly regenerate. However, it sets in motion repair processes in which monocytes and the resulting macrophages are involved, among other things.

The team led by Prof. Dr. Kai Wollert from the Department of Cardiology and Angiology has now shown that the microprotein BRICK1, which was originally discovered in maize plants, is released by macrophages. This happens when the immune cells die after their clean-up work in the infarct area. BRICK1 stimulates endothelial cells to form new microvessels and protects surviving heart muscle cells.

In mouse models, the absence of BRICK1 led to impaired vascular formation and severe heart failure. Conversely, treatment with the microprotein significantly improved heart function. In contrast to other signaling substances, the release of BRICK1 only occurs in the later repair phase.

The protein consists of only 75 amino acids and is widely distributed in the plant and animal kingdoms. In mice and humans, it differs only in one amino acid. Until now, it was known that BRICK1, as a component of the cytoskeleton, controls cell movement, division and formation.

The results have been published in the journal “Science Translational Medicine”. The researchers have filed a patent application for the therapeutic application of BRICK1 and are now looking for an industrial partner for clinical trials. The aim is to limit infarct damage and improve wound healing after a heart attack.

Original Paper:

Extracellular BRICK1 drives heart repair after myocardial infarction in mice | Science Translational Medicine

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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