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Three-dimensional magnetic torque stimulation enhances functional structural maturation in developing human cardiac
Tae Hoon Shin1, Ji-Min Noh2, Seung-Cheol Choi3
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
Acta Biomaterialia
|October 25, 2025
Summary
We developed a Magnetic Torque Stimulation (MTS) system to apply mechanical forces to cardiac organoids. This method promotes organoid maturation and vascularization by activating mechanotransduction pathways, aiding heart development research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Developmental Biology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Mechanical forces are crucial for heart development via mechanotransduction.
- Applying forces to cardiac organoids is challenging due to technical limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of mechanical force on cardiac organoid maturation and vascularization.
- To introduce and validate a novel Magnetic Torque Stimulation (MTS) system for applying controlled forces to organoids.
Main Methods:
- Cardiac organoids were subjected to torque using a Magnetic Torque Stimulation (MTS) system with magnetic nanoparticles.
- Analysis included spatial distribution of cardiac marker proteins, gene expression profiling, and assessment of mechanotransduction pathways.
Main Results:
- Torque application induced spatial distribution of atrial and ventricle-specific proteins (MLC2v, MLC2a).
- Upregulation of maturation (TNNT2, GJA1, MYH7, KCNJ2) and vascularization (PECAM1, VWF, PDGFRB, ACTA2) genes was observed.
- Increased expression of mechanotransduction-related proteins (Lamin A/C, ITGA5, ITGB3, emerin) and elevated phosphorylation of FAK, cofilin, and MLC2 were confirmed.
Conclusions:
- The MTS system effectively applies mechanical forces to cardiac organoids, promoting both maturation and vascularization.
- Mechanical stimulation via MTS activates key mechanotransduction pathways, influencing cardiac development.
- This platform offers a novel approach for studying biomechanical regulation in cardiac organogenesis and has potential for disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
