Reich Research Group > Research > Stem Cell-based Approaches to Cardiovascular Cell and Tissue Mechanics

Stem Cell-based Approaches to Cardiovascular Cell and Tissue Mechanics

CMT_comparison
Cardiac microtissues (CMTs) showing improved morphology and cardiomyocyte sarcomere structure upon biochemical treatment (TDI). The treated constructs show higher fidelity adult cardiac phenotype, including contractile properties, consistent with promotion of the maturation of hiPSC derived cardiomyocytes. See full article by Huang et al.

Recent advances in the understanding and use of pluripotent stem cells have produced major changes in approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease. In collaboration with researchers at the Johns Hopkins Medical School we are using stem-cell based approaches to study mechanical and electrophysiological properties of cells and model microtissue constructs that recapitulate aspects of the cardiovasculature with the goal of understanding biophysical processes related to maturation, function and heritable diseases.

“Enhancement of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte maturation by chemical conditioning in a 3D environment,” C. Y. Huang, R. P. M. Maia-Joca, C. S. Ong, I. Wilson, D. DiSilvestre, G. F. Tomaselli, and D. H. Reich, “Enhancement of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte maturation by chemical conditioning in a 3D environment,” J. Mol. Cell. Cardiol. 138, 1-11 (2020).