Electrostimulation induces cardiomyocyte predifferentiation of fibroblasts

Stem-cell therapy has become a promising therapeutic tool for myocardial repair. Cardiac pre-committed cells, which complete their differentiation in the myocardium, may reduce fibrosis and restore muscle function. However, many questions concerning a precise, functional integration of injected cell...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biochemical and biophysical research communications 2008-06, Vol.370 (3), p.450-455
Main Authors: Genovese, Jorge A., Spadaccio, Cristiano, Langer, Jason, Habe, Jaclyn, Jackson, Johnna, Patel, Amit N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
BALB 3T3 Cells
Cell Count
Cell Culture Techniques
Cell differentiation
Cell Differentiation - genetics
Cell therapy
Electric Stimulation
Electrostimulation
Embryo, Mammalian - cytology
Fibroblasts
Fibroblasts - cytology
Fibroblasts - metabolism
Fibroblasts - physiology
Humans
Mice
Myocardial infarct
Myocytes, Cardiac - cytology
Myocytes, Cardiac - metabolism
Myocytes, Cardiac - physiology
Transcription Factors - metabolism
Troponin I - genetics
Troponin I - metabolism
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Summary:Stem-cell therapy has become a promising therapeutic tool for myocardial repair. Cardiac pre-committed cells, which complete their differentiation in the myocardium, may reduce fibrosis and restore muscle function. However, many questions concerning a precise, functional integration of injected cells remain unanswered. Fibroblasts regulate the cardiac extracellular matrix and are the most abundant cell population in an infarcted area. Electrostimulation is a well-known trophic factor and can induce phenotypic changes in myoblasts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation to induce pre-commitment of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes in vitro. Using short-time electrostimulation in a cytokine-free culture system, we induced pre-commitment of two fibroblast cell lines to a cardiomyocyte phenotype. This partial differentiation in vitro may facilitate further differentiation within the cardiac environment and result in better electro-mechanical integration of the therapeutically introduced cells.
ISSN:0006-291X
1090-2104
DOI:10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.03.115