Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Gene Transfer for Ischemic Heart Failure in a Preclinical Model
Published on: May 15, 2011
Gene transfer for congestive heart failure: update 2013
1Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, and VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, Calif., USA.
Abstract:
Congestive heart failure is a major cause of morbidity and mortality with increasing social and economic costs. There have been no new high impact therapeutic agents for this devastating disease for more than a decade. However, many pivotal regulators of cardiac function have been identified using cardiac-directed transgene expression and gene deletion in preclinical studies. Some of these increase function of the failing heart. Altering the expression of these pivotal regulators using gene transfer is now either being tested in clinical gene transfer trials, or soon will be. In this review, we summarize recent progress in cardiac gene transfer for clinical congestive heart failure.
Insights
New gene transfer therapies show promise for treating congestive heart failure (CHF). This review highlights recent advancements in cardiac gene transfer, offering hope for this widespread cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a leading cause of illness and death.
- There have been limited therapeutic advancements for CHF in over a decade.
- Preclinical studies have identified key regulators of cardiac function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent progress in cardiac gene transfer for treating congestive heart failure.
- To discuss the potential of gene transfer as a therapeutic strategy for CHF.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical studies involving cardiac-directed transgene expression and gene deletion.
- Analysis of clinical gene transfer trials for congestive heart failure.
Main Results:
- Several pivotal regulators of cardiac function have been identified.
- Some identified regulators enhance the function of failing hearts.
- Gene transfer approaches targeting these regulators are entering clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac gene transfer represents a promising new therapeutic avenue for congestive heart failure.
- Further clinical development of gene transfer strategies is warranted for CHF treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
Heart Failure Drugs: Inotropic Agents
Heart Failure I: Introduction
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Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

