Protocol to generate cardiac pericytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Stem Cell Biology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Cardiac pericytes are crucial for coronary microvasculature function but are difficult to obtain.
• Understanding cardiac pericyte biology is essential for addressing microvascular dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a reliable protocol for generating cardiac pericytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).
• To provide a renewable cell source for studying cardiac pericyte function and dysfunction.

Main Methods:

• Generation of hiPSC-derived cardiac pericytes through a multi-step differentiation process.
• Inclusion of intermediate cell types: mid-primitive streak, lateral plate mesoderm, splanchnic mesoderm, septum transversum, and epicardium.

Main Results:

• Successful derivation of cardiac pericytes from hiPSCs.
• The protocol provides a scalable method for obtaining these cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed hiPSC-based protocol offers a valuable tool for cardiac research.
• This method facilitates the investigation of mechanisms underlying coronary microvascular dysfunction.