Transcription Factor TBX5 Enhances Structural Complexity and Calcium Transient Synchronization in Spontaneously...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Regenerative Medicine
• Molecular Cardiology

Background:

• Cardiomyocyte-based constructs are valuable for modeling cardiac diseases and developing cell therapies.
• Cardiac conduction system disorders require innovative treatment strategies.
• The TBX5 transcription factor plays a crucial role in cardiac development and bioelectrical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of TBX5 transcription factor overexpression on cultured cardiomyocytes.
• To determine if TBX5 can induce a phenotype resembling the native cardiac conduction system.

Main Methods:

• Neonatal rat cardiomyocyte cultures were transduced with a vector expressing the TBX5 gene.
• Analysis of cardiomyocyte cluster formation, morphology, and functional properties.
• Assessment of calcium dynamics and synchronization of Ca2+ transients.

Main Results:

• TBX5 overexpression increased the number of functional cardiomyocyte clusters.
• Enhanced morphological complexity and stimulated mature calcium dynamics were observed.
• TBX5 facilitated cell cluster integration and synchronized spontaneous Ca2+ transients.

Conclusions:

• TBX5 overexpression directs cultured cardiomyocytes toward a phenotype similar to the native cardiac conduction system.
• This approach holds promise for in vitro cardiac disease modeling.
• Potential applications in cell-based therapies for cardiac conduction disorders.