Contractile Force of Transplanted Cardiomyocytes Actively Supports Heart Function After Injury.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Transplantation of pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiac regeneration, and the first clinical studies in patients with heart failure have commenced. Yet, little is known about the mechanism of action underlying graft-induced benefits. Here, we explored whether transplanted cardiomyocytes actively contribute to heart function.

Methods

We injected cardiomyocytes with an optogenetic off-on switch in a guinea pig cardiac injury model.

Results

Light-induced inhibition of engrafted cardiomyocyte contractility resulted in a rapid decrease of left ventricular function in ≈50% (7/13) animals that was fully reversible with the offset of photostimulation.

Conclusions

Our optogenetic approach demonst

SUBMITTER: Studemann T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9555755 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature