Modeling cardiac complexity: Advancements in myocardial models and analytical techniques for physiological...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Translational Medicine

Background:

• Cardiomyopathies, heart failure, and arrhythmias affect millions globally, leading to sudden cardiac death and reduced quality of life.
• Cardiomyocyte dysfunction underlies these conditions, making them critical targets for fundamental research, drug discovery, and tissue engineering.
• Effective in vitro myocardial models and experimental techniques are essential for investigating cardiomyocyte physiology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of in vitro cardiomyocyte models and disease modeling strategies.
• To highlight advancements in techniques for characterizing cardiomyocyte physiology.
• To offer a biological framework for engineers and technical insights for biologists in the field.

Main Methods:

• Exploration of diverse cell models and tissue constructs for basic and translational research.
• Review of cutting-edge imaging, electrophysiology, metabolic, and mechanical characterization modalities.
• Analysis of the technical basis and limitations of physiological measurement techniques.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of current in vitro myocardial models and disease modeling approaches.
• Identification of recent technological advancements enhancing the study of cardiomyocyte function.
• Synthesis of information bridging engineering and biological perspectives in cardiac research.

Conclusions:

• In vitro cardiomyocyte models are crucial for advancing our understanding of cardiovascular diseases.
• State-of-the-art measurement modalities offer powerful tools for physiological investigation.
• This review facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration in cardiac research and therapeutic development.