Maturing differentiated human pluripotent stem cells in vitro: methods and challenges

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), derived from individuals or genetically modified with disease-related mutations and variants, have revolutionised studies of human disease. Researchers are beginning to exploit the extraordinary potential of stem cell technology to screen for new drugs to treat intractable diseases, ideally without side -effects. However, a major problem is that the differentiated cell types on which these models are based are immature; they resemble fetal and not adult cells. Here, we discuss the nature and hurdles of hPSC maturation, using cardiomyocytes as an example. We review methods used to induce cardiomyocyte maturation in culture and consider remaining challenges for their integration into research on human disease and drug development pipelines.

Automated summary

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have significantly impacted the study of human disease by deriving cells from individuals or genetically modifying them. Stem cell technology is being utilized to screen for new drugs to treat difficult diseases effectively and safely. However, the immaturity of the differentiated cell types used in these models poses a challenge. In this article, we discuss the maturation process of hPSCs, focusing on cardiomyocytes. We review the current methods used to induce cardiomyocyte maturation and highlight the remaining obstacles for their application in human disease research and drug development.