Cardiomyocytes differentiated in vitro from pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells of line D3 via embryo-like aggregates (embryoid bodies) were characterized by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique during the entire differentiation period. Spontaneously contracting cardiomyocytes were enzymatically isolated by collagenase from embryoid body outgrowths of early, intermediate, and terminal differe...

Histone demethylases have emerged as key regulators of biological processes. The H3K9me2 demethylase plant homeo domain finger protein 8(PHF8), for example, is involved in neuronal differentiation, but its potential function in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to cardiomyocytes is poorly understood. Here, we explored the role of PHF8 during mesodermal and cardiac lineage commi...

BACKGROUND Maternal smoking is a risk factor for low birth weight and other adverse developmental outcomes. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the impact of standard tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes on heart development in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used to assess developmental effects in vivo and cardiac differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) wa...

OBJECTIVE Myofibroblasts and transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) are key elements of cardiac tissue fibrosis development. The aim of this study was to determine whether the ability of TGF-beta(1) to affect the contractile activity of cardiac fibroblasts depends on their differentiation into myofibroblasts. METHODS Cardiac fibroblasts (from male adult Wistar rats) from passage two...

Insufficient myocardial repair after pathological processes contributes to cardiovascular disease, which is a major health concern. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the proliferation and differentiation of cardiac myocytes will aid in designing therapies for myocardial repair. Models are needed to delineate these molecular mechanisms. Here we report the development of a mode...

Cardiac induction of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is a process bearing increasing medical relevance, yet it is poorly understood from a developmental biology perspective. Anticipated technological progress in deriving stably expandable cardiac precursor cells or in advancing cardiac subtype specification protocols will likely require deeper insights into this fascinating system. Recent im...