Lab-cultured cardiac cells

Three types of human heart cells have been grown from cultures derived from embryonic stem cells, by a team of Canadian, US and UK scientists.

During the research, when a mix of the cells was transplanted into mice with simulated heart disease, the animals’ heart function was significantly improved, according to research published in the journal Nature.
The embryonic stem cell cultures were carefully supplied with a staged cocktail of growth factors and other molecules involved in development, and grew into immature versions of cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells, each important constituents of heart muscle. ‘This development means that we can efficiently and accurately make different types of human heart cells for use in both basic and clinical research, said researcher Dr Gordon Keller, of the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine in Toronto. ‘The immediate impact of this is significant, as we now have an unlimited supply of these cells to study how they develop, how they function and how they respond to different drugs. In the future, the cells may also be very effective in developing new strategies for repairing damaged hearts, following a heart attack.’

30.04.2008

More on the subject:

Related articles

Photo

News • Integration of digital pathology and AI tools

Digital pathology partnership to streamline workflows and enhance diagnostics

Digital pathology software company Fujifilm Healthcare Europe and Ibex Medical Analytics, specializing in AI-powered cancer diagnostics, announce a formal partnership to support efficient and…

Photo

News • NHS rollout

Liquid biopsy: new ‘blood test-first’ approach for lung cancer

A new ‘liquid biopsy’ test can help fast-track lung cancer patients to receive targeted therapy up to two weeks earlier, while helping avoid further tests and treatments including chemotherapy.

Photo

Article • San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS)

Young women and breast cancer: research in focus

At the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), three experts presented new approaches and study results for the treatment of breast cancer in young women.

Related products

Subscribe to Newsletter