Bioengineering Approaches to Mature Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes.
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CM) represent a potential unlimited cell supply for cardiac tissue engineering and possibly regenerative medicine applications. However, hPSC-CMs produced by current protocols are not representative of native adult human cardiomyocytes as they display immature gene expression profile, structure and function. In order to improve hPSC-CM maturity and function, various approaches have been developed, including genetic manipulations to induce gene expression, delivery of biochemical factors, such as triiodothyronine and alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine, induction of cell alignment in 3D tissues, mechanical stress as a mimic of cardiac load and electrical stimulation/pacing or a combination of these. In this mini review, we discuss biomimetic strategies for the maturation for hPSC-CMs with a particular focus on electromechanical conditioning methods.
Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network Toronto, ON, Canada.
Xuetao
X
Sun
Toronto General Research Institute, University Health NetworkToronto, ON, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada; Heart & Stroke/Richard Lewar Centre of Excellence, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada.
Sara S
SS
Nunes
biomaterials; cardiac regeneration; cardiomyocytes; cell therapy; electrical stimulation; mechanical stimulation; stem cell