Creation of a biological pacemaker by gene- or cell-based approaches.
Cardiac rhythm-associated disorders are caused by mal-functions of impulse generation and conduction. Present therapies for the impulse generation span a wide array of approaches but remain largely palliative. The progress in the understanding of the biology of the diseases with related biological tools beckons for new approaches to provide better alternatives to the present routine. Here, we review the current state of the art in gene- and cell-based approaches to correct cardiac rhythm disturbances. These include genetic suppression of an ionic current, stem cell therapies, adult somatic cell-fusion approach, novel synthetic pacemaker channel, and creating a self-contained pacemaker activity in non-excitable cells. We then conclude by discussing advantages and disadvantages of the new possibilities.
Marbán
Eduardo
E
Institute of Molecular Cardiobiology, Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 858 Ross Bldg, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. marban@jhmi.edu
Cho
Hee Cheol
HC
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000502:physiology; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000378:metabolism; D012849:Sinoatrial Node / Q000503:physiopathology
D007473:Ion Channels