In an effort to expand the pool of available hearts for transplant, a team of researchers at Newcastle University, led by Dr. Gavin Richardson, is turning its attention to an unlikely source: ‘Zombie’ cells. This groundbreaking research could revolutionize the way we approach heart transplants and potentially save countless lives.
‘Zombie’ cells, also known as senescent cells, exist in a state between life and death, and though not fully functional, they aren’t dead. The British Heart Foundation explains that these cells create molecules that impact surrounding cells, induce inflammation, and result in scar tissue formation in the heart muscle, increasing the risk of heart diseases.
Heart diseases, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, remain the leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming approximately 659,000 lives annually. The research focuses on identifying the ‘signature’ left by ‘Zombie’ cells in the blood, potentially revealing critical insights about the biological age of hearts. This development could challenge the existing donor criteria that disqualify hearts from donors over 65.
As we advance in our understanding of ‘Zombie’ cells and their role in heart health, Dr. Richardson and his team’s research could redefine donor eligibility. With this fresh perspective, we may witness an expansion in the pool of potential donor hearts, addressing the urgent need for organ transplants.
