The technology employs extracellular matrix (ECM) extracted from zebrafish hearts as a substrate to promote cardiac tissue repair in mammals, particularly after myocardial infarction.This technology utilizes extracellular matrix (ECM) isolated from zebrafish hearts to promote cardiac tissue repair, particularly following myocardial infarction. The process preserves the bioactive properties of the ECM through a minimally invasive decellularization method that includes freezing, nuclease treatments, washing, and mechanical grinding into micro- to nano-sized particles. The approach harnesses both normal and healing zebrafish cardiac ECM sources, which provide essential structural components like collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, while retaining natural regenerative signals. Experimental studies in mouse models have demonstrated improved cardiac function, reduced infarct size, and enhanced proliferation of cardiac precursor cells following the application of this technology.
Description
What differentiates this approach is its strategic departure from traditional mammalian ECM sources by leveraging the innate regenerative capabilities of zebrafish tissue. The presence of Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) in the zebrafish ECM stimulates cardiomyocyte mitosis through the ErbB2 pathway, a mechanism absent in conventional methods. This unique biological cue not only augments in vitro cell proliferation and migration under stress conditions but also translates into tangible in vivo improvements, setting a new benchmark for regenerative interventions in non-regenerative mammalian organs.
Applications
- Cardiac tissue regeneration therapy
- Regenerative ECM medical devices
- Myocardial infarction repair treatment
- ECM-integrated implantable scaffolds
- Minimally invasive regenerative gels
Advantages
- Enhanced cardiac regeneration and improved heart function post-myocardial infarction.
- Utilizes zebrafish-derived ECM with natural regenerative cues, offering advantages over conventional mammalian ECM.
- Minimally invasive decellularization preserves the bioactivity and natural composition of the ECM.
- Stimulates proliferation, migration, and survival of cardiac stem cells and mesenchymal cells, even under stress.
- Reduces infarct size while increasing myocardial elasticity and overall cardiac recovery.
- Activates the NRG1-ErbB2 signaling pathway, a key mechanism in cardiomyocyte mitogenesis and regeneration.
- Offers versatile applications in repairing various tissue injuries and in the development of medical devices.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US11331348B2
