Direct reprogramming of human fibroblasts toward a cardiomyocyte-like state

Stem Cell Reports. 2013 Aug 22;1(3):235-47. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2013.07.005. eCollection 2013.

Abstract

Direct reprogramming of adult somatic cells into alternative cell types has been shown for several lineages. We previously showed that GATA4, MEF2C, and TBX5 (GMT) directly reprogrammed nonmyocyte mouse heart cells into induced cardiomyocyte-like cells (iCMs) in vitro and in vivo. However, GMT alone appears insufficient in human fibroblasts, at least in vitro. Here, we show that GMT plus ESRRG and MESP1 induced global cardiac gene-expression and phenotypic shifts in human fibroblasts derived from embryonic stem cells, fetal heart, and neonatal skin. Adding Myocardin and ZFPM2 enhanced reprogramming, including sarcomere formation, calcium transients, and action potentials, although the efficiency remained low. Human iCM reprogramming was epigenetically stable. Furthermore, we found that transforming growth factor β signaling was important for, and improved the efficiency of, human iCM reprogramming. These findings demonstrate that human fibroblasts can be directly reprogrammed toward the cardiac lineage, and lay the foundation for future refinements in vitro and in vivo.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / genetics*
  • Cell Lineage
  • Cellular Reprogramming / genetics*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / biosynthesis
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • GATA4 Transcription Factor / biosynthesis
  • GATA4 Transcription Factor / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics
  • Humans
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors / biosynthesis
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Mice
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / metabolism*
  • Nuclear Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Nuclear Proteins / genetics
  • Signal Transduction
  • T-Box Domain Proteins / biosynthesis
  • T-Box Domain Proteins / genetics
  • Trans-Activators / biosynthesis
  • Trans-Activators / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / biosynthesis
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • GATA4 Transcription Factor
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors
  • MEF2C protein, human
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • T-Box Domain Proteins
  • T-box transcription factor 5
  • Trans-Activators
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • ZFPM2 protein, human
  • myocardin