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Published on: June 3, 2018
Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells
Shiva Khezri1, Mojtaba R Valojerdi, Houri Sepehri
1Department of Stem Cells, Royan Institute, Tehran, Iran.
Saudi Medical Journal
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes early maturation of embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. This includes improved chronotropic characteristics and expression of key cardiac genes like alpha-MHC and beta-MHC.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Cardiovascular research
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) hold potential for regenerative medicine.
- Cardiomyocyte differentiation from ESCs is crucial for cardiac repair.
- Understanding growth factor roles in differentiation is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on ESC differentiation into early cardiomyocytes.
- To assess bFGF's impact on cardiomyocyte maturation markers.
Main Methods:
- Mouse ESC line (Royan B1) used to form embryoid bodies (EBs) in hanging drops.
- EBs treated with bFGF (10 ng/ml) during early suspension culture.
- Pharmacological assays and immunocytochemistry used for evaluation.
Main Results:
- bFGF treatment showed less beating frequency compared to controls.
- Enhanced response to carbachol and improved expression of alpha-MHC and beta-MHC noted in bFGF group.
- Cardiac-specific gene expression (beta-actinin, MLC2V, alpha-MHC, beta-MHC) confirmed in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) promotes early maturation of ESC-derived cardiomyocytes.
- Maturation effects observed in chronotropic properties and cardiac-specific gene expression.
- bFGF aids in the development of functional cardiomyocyte characteristics.
