Novel 3D culture system with similarities to the human heart for studies of the cardiac stem cell niche.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to develop a 3D culture system with similarities to the human heart, which was suitable for studies of adult cardiac stem or progenitor cells.


METHODS
Dissociated cells from human cardiac biopsies were placed in high-density pellet cultures and cultured for up to 6 weeks. Gene and protein expressions, analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, and morphology were studied in early and late pellets.


RESULTS
Cells cultured in the 3D model showed similarities to human cardiac tissue. Moreover, markers for cardiac stem and progenitor cells were also detected after 6 weeks of culture, in addition to markers for signaling pathways active in stem cell niche regulation.


CONCLUSIONS
The described 3D culture model could be a valuable tool when studying the influence of different compounds on proliferation and differentiation processes in cardiac stem or progenitor cells in cardiac regenerative research.
Jonsson
Marianne
M
Department of Clinical Chemistry & Transfusion Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.
Henriksson
Helena B
HB
Hagman
Margret
M
Kajic
Kristina
K
Lindahl
Anders
A
Jeppsson
Anders
A
Berggren
Håkan
H
Asp
Julia
J
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D006321:Heart; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009206:Myocardium / Q000166:cytology*; D055153:Stem Cell Niche / Q000166:cytology*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D013997:Time Factors
D015415:Biomarkers