Reprogramming the conduction system: Onward toward a biological pacemaker

Jason D Meyers; Patrick Y Jay; Stacey Rentschler

doi:10.1016/j.tcm.2015.03.015

Reprogramming the conduction system: Onward toward a biological pacemaker

Trends Cardiovasc Med. 2016 Jan;26(1):14-20. doi: 10.1016/j.tcm.2015.03.015. Epub 2015 Apr 1.

Authors

Jason D Meyers¹, Patrick Y Jay², Stacey Rentschler³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO.
² Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, MO; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, MO.
³ Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO. Electronic address: Stacey.rentschler@wustl.edu.

Abstract

Diseases of the cardiac conduction system can be debilitating and deadly. Electronic pacemakers are incredibly effective in the treatment of sinus and AV node dysfunction, yet there remain important limitations and complications. These issues have driven interest in the development of a biological pacemaker. Here, we review experimental progress in animal models and discuss future directions, with a focus on reprogramming endogenous cells in the heart to treat defects of rhythm and conduction.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Arrhythmias, Cardiac* / pathology
Arrhythmias, Cardiac* / physiopathology
Arrhythmias, Cardiac* / therapy
Cellular Reprogramming*
Heart Conduction System / physiopathology*
Humans
Therapies, Investigational / methods*

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding