Optogenetic Control of Heart Rhythm by Selective Stimulation of Cardiomyocytes Derived from Pnmt⁺ Cells in Murine Heart.

ABSTRACT: In the present study, channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) was specifically introduced into murine cells expressing the Phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase (Pnmt) gene, which encodes for the enzyme responsible for conversion of noradrenaline to adrenaline. The new murine model enabled the identification of a distinctive class of Pnmt-expressing neuroendocrine cells and their descendants (i.e. Pnmt⁺ cell derived cells) within the heart. Here, we show that Pnmt⁺ cells predominantly localized to the left side of the adult heart. Remarkably, many of the Pnmt⁺ cells in the left atrium and ventricle appeared to be working cardiomyocytes based on their morphological appearance and functional properties. These Pnmt⁺ cell derived cardiomyocytes (PdCMs) are simila

SUBMITTER: Wang Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5234027 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature