Guest Kristy Red-Horse is a biologist who specializes in coronary artery development and disease. She says the latest advances in treatment of blockages could do away with invasive bypass surgeries in favor of growing new arteries using molecules like CXCL12, known to promote artery regrowth in mice. Red-Horse explains how leaps forward in medical imaging, expanding atlases of gene expressions, and new drug delivery mechanisms could someday lead to trials in humans. But, before that day can arrive, much work remains, as Red-Horse tells host Russ Altman in this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.Have a question for Russ? Send it our way in writing or via voice memo, and it might be featured on an upcoming episode. Please introduce yourself, let us know where you're listening from, and share your quest. You can send questions to thefutureofeverything@stanford.edu.Episode Reference Links:Stanford Profile: Kristy Red-HorseKristy’s Lab: Red-Horse LabConnect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>> Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / FacebookChapters:(00:00:00) IntroductionRuss Altman introduces Kristy Red-Horse, a professor of biology at Stanford University.(00:03:46) Replacing Open-Heart SurgeryWhy bypass surgery is invasive, risky, and requires long recovery.(00:05:09) Challenges in Artery GrowthThe difficulty of targeting artery growth with medical interventions.(00:07:32) The Role of Collateral ArteriesDefinition and function of collateral arteries as natural bypass.(00:09:37) Triggers for Natural Bypass FormationGenetic factors that may influence the growth of these bypass arteries.(00:10:49) Unique Properties of Coronary ArteriesChallenges of ensuring artificial growth replicates natural artery function.(00:13:04) The Discovery of CXCL12A key molecule that stimulates collateral artery formation.(00:16:16) Precise Artery Growth ControlThe results of targeted CXCL12 injections into mice hearts.(00:17:32) CXCL12’s Overlooked RoleThe molecule’s role in the immune system and stem cells.(00:20:27) Guinea Pigs and Heart Attack ResistanceHow guinea pigs naturally develop collaterals.(00:23:19) Preventing Heart DiseaseUsing artery growth treatments to target early-stage coronary disease.(00:25:25) Breakthroughs in Imaging TechnologyNew technology that enables identification of collateral growth pathways.(00:27:07) How Collateral Arteries FormThe two mechanisms in which new arteries form.(00:28:48) The Future of Medical Artery GrowthThe possibility of eliminating bypass surgery with targeted artery growth. Connect With Us:Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything WebsiteConnect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / MastodonConnect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.