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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
08:52
Generation of Murine Cardiac Pacemaker Cell Aggregates Based on ES-Cell-Programming in Combination with Myh6-Promoter-Selection
Published on: February 17, 2015
Racing of the biological pacemaker
1Center for Cardiovascular & Respiratory Sciences, Department of Physiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA. hyu@hsc.wvu.edu
Recent Patents on DNA & Gene Sequences
|August 26, 2009
Summary
Researchers are developing biological pacemakers using gene and cell therapies to improve upon electronic pacemakers. This review covers cardiac pacing, biological pacemaker design, and future directions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Regenerative Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Electronic pacemakers have limitations.
- Advances in cardiac ion channel and stem cell research offer new possibilities.
- The need for improved cardiac pacing solutions is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental concepts of cardiac pacemaker activity.
- To explore gene- and cell-based strategies for creating a biological pacemaker.
- To discuss future developments and considerations for biological pacemakers.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular studies on cardiac ion channels.
- Analysis of stem cell biology relevant to cardiac pacing.
- Examination of gene- and cell-based therapeutic approaches.
- Discussion of recent patents in the field.
Main Results:
- Molecular and stem cell advancements enable biological pacemaker development.
- Gene and cell therapies offer potential to meet biological pacemaker requirements.
- Various approaches are being investigated to create functional biological pacemakers.
Conclusions:
- Biological pacemakers represent a promising alternative to electronic devices.
- Further research and development are needed for clinical translation.
- Careful consideration of future developments and precautions is essential for creating superior biological pacemakers.
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Autorhythmicity is a term that refers to the heart's inherent ability to generate electrical signals and instigate muscle contractions. This self-regulating conduction system within the heart consists of two key components: the pacemaker cells and specialized conducting cells.
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...
The pacemaker cells are located in two primary nodes: the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. The SA node pacemaker cells can autonomously depolarize, triggering an action potential that leads to the...
01:20Conduction System of the Heart
The cardiac conduction system produces and transmits electrical impulses that prompt myocardial contraction, ensuring efficient heart function. This intricate system ensures that the heart beats in a coordinated and efficient manner, beginning with the atria and then the ventricles. The conduction system optimizes cardiac output by maintaining this precise sequence, which is crucial for adequate blood circulation.
This system relies on the unique properties of nodal and Purkinje cells:...
This system relies on the unique properties of nodal and Purkinje cells:...
01:19Electrophysiology of Normal Cardiac Rhythm
The normal cardiac rhythm is a synchronized electrical activity that facilitates the regular and coordinated contraction of the heart muscle. This process is essential for efficient blood circulation throughout the body. The fundamental elements involved in establishing and maintaining this rhythm include the unique electrical properties of cardiac muscle cells, the sinoatrial (SA) node's pacemaker function, the specialized conducting system, and the ionic mechanisms underlying each phase of...
01:28Mechanism of Cardiac Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are irregular heart rhythms occurring when the heart's electrical impulses become abnormal. These disturbances can lead to various symptoms, depending on their severity and the underlying cause. Some common factors contributing to arrhythmias include hypoxia, ischemia, electrolyte imbalances, excessive catecholamine exposure, drug toxicity, and muscle overstretching. Arrhythmias can be classified into two main types based on the rate and site of origin of abnormal heart rhythms.
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The heart beats rhythmically in a sequence called the cardiac cycle—a rapid coordination of contraction (systole) and relaxation (diastole).
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Electrical signals—sent from the sinoatrial (SA) node in the right atrial wall to the atrioventricular (AV) node between the right atrium and right ventricle—cause both atria to simultaneously contract. When the signal reaches the AV node, it pauses for approximately a tenth of a second, allowing the atria to contract and empty blood into the...