Human pluripotent stem cell-derived atrioventricular node-like pacemaker cells transplanted into guinea pig hearts successfully replicated the functional properties of the atrioventricular node.
Do hPSC-derived atrioventricular node-like pacemaker cells replicate the functional properties of the AVN when transplanted in vivo?
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived AVN-like pacemaker cells can replicate AV node functional properties in vivo, highlighting their potential as a biological conduction bridge for treating AV block.
The atrioventricular node (AVN) ensures synchronized heart contractions by establishing the electrical connection between the atria and ventricles. Dysfunction of the pacemaker cells of the AVN leads to atrioventricular block (AV block), a life-threatening condition managed with electronic pacemakers (EPMs). EPMs have drawbacks that could potentially be overcome by a human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived biological conduction bridge (BioCB). Recent studies demonstrated the differentiation of AVN-like cells from hPSCs, but their conduction properties upon engraftment in vivo remain unexplored. Here, we report the generation of AVN-like pacemaker cells (AVNLPCs) from hPSCs using Wnt and BMP signaling modulation. These AVNLPCs transcriptionally resemble fetal AVN pacemaker cells, exhibit pacemaker action potentials, and display unique AVN-like conduction properties. Notably, when transplanted into the guinea pig heart, AVNLPCs replicate the functional properties of the AVN. Our study highlights the potential of an AVNLPC-based BioCB as a novel cell therapy to improve treatment for patients with AV block.
Lohbihler et al. (Mon,) conducted a other in Atrioventricular block. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived atrioventricular node-like pacemaker cells (AVNLPCs) was evaluated on In vivo functional properties and conduction. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived atrioventricular node-like pacemaker cells transplanted into guinea pig hearts successfully replicated the functional properties of the atrioventricular node.