Reprogramming the conduction system: Onward toward a biological pacemaker.
Diseases of the cardiac conduction system can be debilitating and deadly. Electronic pacemakers are incredibly effective in the treatment of sinus and AV node dysfunction, yet there remain important limitations and complications. These issues have driven interest in the development of a biological pacemaker. Here, we review experimental progress in animal models and discuss future directions, with a focus on reprogramming endogenous cells in the heart to treat defects of rhythm and conduction.
Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO.
Jason D
JD
Meyers
Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, MO; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, MO.
Patrick Y
PY
Jay
Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO. Electronic address: Stacey.rentschler@wustl.edu.
Stacey
S
Rentschler
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D065150:Cellular Reprogramming; D006329:Heart Conduction System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D035703:Therapies, Investigational / Q000379:methods*