Cedars-Sinai Blog
Protein May Warn of Heart Failure
A banana-shaped molecule, dubbed the “banana protein” by Cedars-Sinai researchers, may help predict heart failure.
The molecule, shaped like the yellow fruit bowl staple, is known as B1N1. It can be detected in the bloodstream and low levels are a good predictor of future heart disease.
"This little molecule plays a significant role in disease and in the strength of contraction during a heartbeat."
- Dr. Robin Shaw
Drs. Robin Shaw and Ting-Ting Hong and their colleagues believe the banana protein could be used to predict heart failure and future heart disease. The team is also investigating how B1N1 could be part of a potential treatment.
