Chemical recipe could repair hearts (UK)

"A chemical recipe has been discovered that could pave the way to repairing failing hearts with stem cells. The cocktail of three proteins described by scientists kick-starts the transformation of embryonic stem cells into beating heart cells. Two of the proteins are "transcription factors", biological agents that influence the activity of genes. The third is a heart-specific "chromatin remodeller" that alters chromosome structure. Together they appear to hold the key to creating new heart muscle cells that one day could be used to rebuild failed hearts. Heart failure can occur as a result of a heart attack, or a condition that puts the heart under strain, such as a birth defect, faulty valve or high blood pressure. The result is a permanently damaged and weakened heart, causing symptoms of breathlessness and fatigue and greatly increasing the risk of premature death. An estimated 68,000 new cases of heart failure occur each year in the UK. According to official figures, the condition is responsible for around 11,500 deaths a year. However, the actual number is likely to be much higher, since the death certificates of people who die from heart failure often cite other causes such as coronary heart disease. Once damaged, the heart has little ability to regenerate itself. For this reason, it is a primary target for research into reconstructive stem cell therapies." - Channel 4