Shortly after birth, there are significant changes in the energy metabolism and cellular architecture of cardiomyocytes (CMs) that prevent them from dividing. However, researchers have discovered a potential way to override this natural barrier and promote cell division in adult CMs. Inhibition of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) by inactivating the gene Cpt1b in CMs led to increased cell proliferation and heart growth in mice. The inhibition of FAO also protected against damage from an ischemia-reperfusion injury and enabled regeneration of the heart. These findings suggest that targeting FAO could have therapeutic potential for heart regeneration in humans.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06585-5