Understanding the risk of cell therapy for heart repair

The research focused on the interactions between cells created in the lab from stem cells called Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) with myofibroblasts, a type of cell that looks to repair heart tissue after a heart attack.

The study, published by Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, found that myofibroblasts affect the electrical properties and calcium handling of hiPSC-CMs. Myofibroblasts also altered the expression of genes responsible for vital functions of heart cells, leading to electrical instability.

Heart attacks lead to the loss of heart muscle cells and the formation of scar tissue involving cells known as myofibroblasts. To repair this damage, scientists have been exploring the use of stem cells, such as hiPSC-CMs, to regenerate healthy heart muscles. However, these therapies have been shown to increase the risk of heart rhythm issues, which can be life-threatening.

The research team used advanced cell culture systems to replicate the interactions between these cell types, observing the effects on heart cell function. They cultured hiPSC-CMs with adult human cardiac myofibroblasts in three conditions to mimic cell interactions: direct contact, non-contact, and medium conditioning.

Targeting interactions between cardiac cells could provide a novel therapeutic strategy to improve the outcome of cardiac cell therapies and treat heart rhythm disorders as discussed by Dr Patrizia Camelliti in a perspective published by Science.