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Hemogenic Reprogramming of Human Fibroblasts by Enforced Expression of Transcription Factors
Published on: November 4, 2019
Fibroblast transition to an endothelial "trans" state improves cell reprogramming efficiency
Megumi Mathison1, Deepthi Sanagasetti1, Vivek P Singh1
1Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Reprogramming fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes is enhanced by first inducing an endothelial cell state. This novel "trans-endothelial" approach improves cardiac cell regeneration potential.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Fibroblast reprogramming holds promise for myocardial regeneration.
- Endothelial cell plasticity can potentially enhance reprogramming efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore a novel strategy for enhancing fibroblast reprogramming into cardiomyocytes.
- To investigate the role of endothelial cell plasticity in cardiac cell transdifferentiation.
Main Methods:
- Cardiac endothelial cells and fibroblasts were treated with Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT).
- Fibroblasts were treated with ETV2 to induce an endothelial cell state before GMT treatment.
- Cardiomyocyte marker expression (cTnT) and functional assays (calcium transients, contractility) were assessed.
Main Results:
- Endothelial cells treated with GMT yielded more cTnT+ cells than cardiac fibroblasts.
- Fibroblasts treated with ETV2 followed by GMT showed significantly higher cTnT expression than GMT or ETV2 alone.
- GMT+ETV2 treated fibroblasts exhibited calcium transients and synchronous contractility in co-culture.
Conclusions:
- Transiently inducing an endothelial cell state enhances fibroblast reprogramming into cardiomyocytes.
- Cardiac fibroblast transdifferentiation via an endothelial intermediate improves plasticity and cardio-differentiation efficiency.
- This
- trans-endothelial
- approach offers a promising strategy for myocardial regeneration.
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