Challenges and innovation: Disease modeling using human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Stem Cell Biology
• Disease Modeling

Background:

• Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are valuable for disease modeling.
• Patient-derived hiPSC-CMs present challenges due to functional immaturity compared to adult cardiomyocytes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a focused commentary on the use of hiPSC-CMs in disease modeling.
• To discuss progress in achieving electrical and metabolic maturity in hiPSC-CMs.
• To highlight advancements in investigative platforms for hiPSC-CMs.

Main Methods:

• Review of innovations in hiPSC-CM differentiation.
• Analysis of modifications in hiPSC-CM culture techniques.
• Assessment of progress in hiPSC-CM maturation.

Main Results:

• Significant progress has been made in enhancing the maturity of hiPSC-CMs.
• New differentiation and culture techniques are addressing functional limitations.
• Enabling platforms are being developed for advanced investigative studies.

Conclusions:

• Innovations are overcoming challenges in hiPSC-CM maturity for disease modeling.
• hiPSC-CMs are becoming more functionally akin to adult cardiomyocytes.
• These advancements are advancing the promise of in vitro heart disease modeling using human cells.