Revolutionary Discovery: Brown University Scientists Unveil Key Protein Vital for Heart Health

Recent research from Brown University highlights the important role of a protein called AIMP3 in heart health. The study, published in Nature Cardiovascular Research, reveals how AIMP3 affects heart function and could lead to new treatments for heart disease.

When researchers removed AIMP3 from heart cells in mice, they observed serious issues like inflammation, scarring, and even heart failure. Federica Accornero, a biochemistry professor, noted that AIMP3 had never been studied in heart tissue before. She stated, “What we discovered is that cardiac AIMP3 is crucial for survival.”

AIMP3 is part of the system that helps produce proteins in cells. While researchers had previously speculated about its role, they found that AIMP3 is vital for protein synthesis accuracy. This discovery may extend beyond the heart, suggesting AIMP3 could play a significant role in other organs as well.

The research team, led by Anindhya S. Das, used gene editing to “knock out” AIMP3 in mice and track the results. They found AIMP3 assists another protein called MetRS, which removes harmful substances like homocysteine. Without AIMP3, homocysteine accumulated, causing oxidative stress and ultimately leading to cell death.

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

These findings are crucial because they uncover a new protective mechanism for the heart. Understanding this could result in new treatments for heart diseases associated with homocysteine buildup. The team hopes to explore whether increasing AIMP3 levels can help the heart handle stress better.

Statistics show that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, emphasizing the need for effective treatments. As Accornero pointed out, studying the heart is vital because repairing damage remains a significant challenge.

This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the American Heart Association. It holds promise for future therapies that could enhance heart health and potentially save lives.

For further reading, see the study in Nature Cardiovascular Research: doi.org/10.1038/s44161-025-00670-w.

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Heart, Heart Disease, Biochemistry, Cell, Heart Failure, Homocysteine, Inflammation, Protein, Research, RNA, Stress