by Researchers at the Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute have made a groundbreaking discovery using a state-of-the-art organ-on-a-chip model. This innovative model has revealed a potential therapeutic target that could effectively slow down vascular aging, ultimately reducing the risk of heart disease, kidney dysfunction, and vascular dementia.
Vascular aging occurs when the structure and function of blood vessels deteriorate over time. This progressive decline can lead to significant damage in vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. While there is considerable focus on external signs of aging, understanding how our bodies age internally is crucial for long-term health.
Associate Professor Sara Baratchi and her team have designed a unique bioengineered model known as an organ-on-a-chip. This micro-scale system replicates the environment of the human body and is increasingly being used as an alternative to animal models in research.
Through their groundbreaking work, A/Prof Baratchi and her team have identified the protein Piezo 1 as a potential therapeutic target for reducing endothelial dysfunction, a condition that contributes to coronary artery disease. Endothelial dysfunction involves the constriction or narrowing of large blood vessels on the heart’s surface, as opposed to their normal dilation. This condition, which affects women more than men, can cause severe chest pain.
Using their organ-on-a-chip model, the research team was able to study how endothelial cells, which line all blood vessels and regulate the development of tissue cells in the vessel wall, respond to shear stress (the force of flowing blood on the vessel surface) and vessel stiffness. These two factors are major contributors to heart disease, kidney dysfunction, and vascular dementia.
In a recent publication in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, A/Prof Baratchi explained that Piezo 1 has an important yet previously unidentified role in how endothelial cells respond to vessel stiffening and shear stress. Armed with this newfound understanding, the team believes that targeting Piezo 1 with specific drugs could reduce vessel inflammation and arterial stiffness, thus alleviating endothelial dysfunction in aging individuals.
The development of this unique bioengineered model is an exciting step forward in medical research. It holds immense potential for advancing personalized medicine and facilitating drug discovery in the field of vascular aging. By further exploring the role of Piezo 1 and identifying drugs that can effectively target it, researchers may be able to significantly improve the health outcomes of aging adults.
The organ-on-a-chip model offers a more accurate representation of human physiology compared to traditional animal models, making it a valuable tool for researchers. This technology allows for a better understanding of the complexities involved in vascular aging and provides a platform to test potential therapeutics in a manner that is both efficient and ethically responsible.
The implications of this research go beyond cardiovascular health. By addressing vascular aging, the researchers are also targeting other age-related conditions, such as kidney dysfunction and vascular dementia. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the field of age-related medical research and significantly improve the quality of life for aging individuals.
In conclusion, the breakthrough discovery made by A/Prof Baratchi and her team using the organ-on-a-chip model represents a significant advancement in understanding and combating vascular aging. By identifying Piezo 1 as a potential therapeutic target, researchers are one step closer to developing effective interventions that can slow down the aging process and reduce the risk of associated medical conditions. The exciting potential of this bioengineered model in personalized medicine and drug discovery highlights the importance of investing in innovative research methods that have the potential to transform healthcare outcomes for aging populations.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
