Can research gleaned from a hibernating snail save a human heart?
University of Alberta researchers have discovered a novel drug that unlocks the secret of snail hibernation, allowing them to safely put non-hibernating animal organs into a deep metabolic sleep. The study, published in Nature Communications, is led by Dr. Evangelos Michelakis, professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry and director of the Cardiovascular Research Institute (CVRI).
Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a groundbreaking drug inspired by snail hibernation that could revolutionize organ transplantation and heart attack treatment. Led by Dr. Evangelos Michelakis, the team created a molecule called SNAP (Snail Activator of PHLPP1) that mimics the natural hibernation mechanism found in snails.
This drug allows non-hibernating animals, including humans, to enter a deep metabolic sleep-like state. By temporarily regulating how cells consume oxygen, SNAP provides crucial protection against ischemia (lack of blood flow) and reperfusion (sudden restoration of blood flow), which can cause severe tissue damage in humans.
The researchers successfully tested SNAP on mouse hearts, demonstrating that it prevented injury and preserved heart function. This breakthrough could have far-reaching implications. SNAP could improve the viability of donated organs by reducing damage during transport to transplant recipients. It may also aid in treating patients who experience heart attacks during procedures to clear blocked arteries.
Beyond organ preservation, SNAP shows potential in longevity medicine, as it decreases cellular aging rates observed during hibernation.
However, while the findings are promising, the drug's effects on heart attack care, cancer treatment, and anti-aging research still need to be fully explored in clinical settings. The study's co-author, Dr. Jiyuan Piao, notes that the discovery marks the first direct application of hibernation biology to non-hibernating organisms, opening new avenues for medical advancements.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
