Electrostimulation induces cardiomyocyte predifferentiation of fibroblasts

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2008 Jun 6;370(3):450-5. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.03.115. Epub 2008 Mar 31.

Abstract

Stem-cell therapy has become a promising therapeutic tool for myocardial repair. Cardiac pre-committed cells, which complete their differentiation in the myocardium, may reduce fibrosis and restore muscle function. However, many questions concerning a precise, functional integration of injected cells remain unanswered. Fibroblasts regulate the cardiac extracellular matrix and are the most abundant cell population in an infarcted area. Electrostimulation is a well-known trophic factor and can induce phenotypic changes in myoblasts. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of electrical stimulation to induce pre-commitment of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes in vitro. Using short-time electrostimulation in a cytokine-free culture system, we induced pre-commitment of two fibroblast cell lines to a cardiomyocyte phenotype. This partial differentiation in vitro may facilitate further differentiation within the cardiac environment and result in better electro-mechanical integration of the therapeutically introduced cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • BALB 3T3 Cells
  • Cell Count
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Cell Differentiation* / genetics
  • Electric Stimulation
  • Embryo, Mammalian / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / cytology*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / cytology*
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / metabolism
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / physiology*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Troponin I / genetics
  • Troponin I / metabolism

Substances

  • Transcription Factors
  • Troponin I