Research from University of Alberta provides new data about stem cell research
March 2nd, 2009
2009 MAR 2 -- According to recent research from Edmonton, Canada, "Li X, Karki P, Lei L, Wang H, Fliegel L. Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 facilitates cardiomyocyte embryonic stem cell differentiation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 296: H159-H170, 2009."
"First published November 14, 2008; doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00375.2008. - Embryonic stem cells provide one potential source of cardiomyocytes for cardiac transplantation; however, after differentiation of stem cells in vitro, cardiomyocytes usually account for only a minority of cells present. To gain insights into improving cardiomyocyte development from stem cells, we examined the role of the Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 (NHE1) in cardiomyocyte differentiation. NHE1 protein and message levels were induced by treatment of CGR8 cells to form embryoid bodies and cardiomyocytes. The NHE1 protein was present on the cell surface and NHE1 inhibitor-sensitive activity was detected. Inhibition of NHE1 activity during differentiation of CGR8 cells prevented cardiomyocyte differentiation as indicated by decreased message for transcription factors Nkx2-5 and Tbx5 and decreased levels of alpha-myosin heavy chain protein. Increased expression of NHE1 from an adenoviral vector facilitated cardiomyocyte differentiation. Similar results were found with cardiomyocyte differentiation of P19 embryonal carcinoma cells. CGR8 cells were treated to induce differentiation, but when differentiation was inhibited by dispersing the EBs, myocardial development was inhibited. The results demonstrate that NHE1 activity is important in facilitating stem cell differentiation to cardiomyocyte lineage," wrote X.J. Li and colleagues, University of Alberta.
The researchers concluded: "Elevated NHE1 expression appears to be triggered as part of the process that facilitates cardiomyocyte development."
Li and colleagues published their study in American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology (Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 1 facilitates cardiomyocyte embryonic stem cell differentiation. American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology, 2009;296(1):H159-H170).
For additional information, contact L. Fliegel, University of Alberta, Dept. of Biochemistry, 347 Med Science Bldg, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
Publisher contact information for the American Journal of Physiology - Heart and Circulatory Physiology is: American Physiological Society, 9650 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
Keywords: Canada, Edmonton, Adenoviridae, Cardiology, Cardiomyocyte, Cell Differentiation, Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Physiology, Transplantation, University of Alberta.
This article was prepared by Cardiovascular Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Cardiovascular Week via NewsRx.com.
