The addition of a stem cell researcher to a team conducting research into a rare and often fatal genetic condition is being called a “game changer.”

Dr. Jessica Esseltine, Memorial University’s first-ever stem cell researcher, recently joined the team, led by Dr. Kathy Hodgekinson, which has been conducting research into ARVC—arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy—a devastating heart condition that has plagued a number of Newfoundland families.

Before the team isolated the gene responsible for the condition, the only symptom many people carrying the mutation experienced was sudden and early death.

Dr. Esseltine’s job is to create heart cells using skin cells in patients who have been identified as carrying the gene for ARVC.

She says what makes this research so exciting is that not only does the skin cell-turned-heart cell carry the mutation, it also carries the patient’s entire genome, which is specific to that patient.

Dr. Hodgekinson says Esseltine’s involvement has changed everything.

Currently, patients are treated when diagnosed, but they’re hoping the research could halt the disease and lead to a cure.