New Protein Discovery Could Revolutionize Heart Disease Treatment

Brown University researchers have uncovered a crucial protein involved in heart function, potentially leading to innovative treatments for cardiovascular ailments. Their work on AIMP3 offers hope for combating inflammation, scarring, and heart failure, which affect millions worldwide.

AIMP3’s Critical Role

In a study published in Nature Cardiovascular Research, the team demonstrated that eliminating AIMP3 from cardiac cells in mice triggered severe cardiac issues. This led to inflammation, tissue scarring, and ultimately, fatal heart failure. The research pinpoints AIMP3 as essential for preventing errors in protein synthesis within heart cells.

“AIMP3 is a protein that had never been studied in the heart and was of unclear function,”

—Federica Accornero, Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Brown University

AIMP3 ensures another protein, MetRS, correctly edits out homocysteine, a damaging substance. Without AIMP3, homocysteine accumulates, causing oxidative stress and ultimately leading to cell death. Heart disease remains a significant global health challenge; according to the World Health Organization, it is the leading cause of death, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives annually (WHO, 2023).

The Research Process

The Brown research team, led by Anindhya S. Das, utilized gene editing to remove AIMP3 in mice, observing the resulting effects. They discovered the primary function of AIMP3 is to maintain the editing activity of MetRS. This crucial role underlines AIMP3’s importance in preserving heart function and ensuring survival.

The study emphasizes a novel method by which AIMP3 safeguards the heart, with a deeper understanding potentially unlocking new heart disease treatments linked to homocysteine buildup.

Next Steps

The team will now study mice to assess if boosting the AIMP3 protein can help hearts better manage stress, opening paths for preventive treatments. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, which prompted the research.

“Overall, we uncovered a unique role of AIMP3 in maintaining the editing activity of MetRS and its essential role in heart function and survival.”

—Anindhya S. Das, Postdoctoral Research Associate in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University

The researchers are seeking to explore whether increasing AIMP3 could help the heart cope with stress more effectively. This research was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association.