Environmental factors influence somatic cell reprogramming to cardiomyocyte-like cells

Direct cardiac reprogramming, which refers to somatic cell (i.e. fibroblast) fate conversion to cardiomyocyte-like cell without transitioning through an intermediate pluripotent state, provides a novel therapeutic strategy for heart regeneration by converting resident cardiac fibroblasts to cardiomyocytes in situ. However, several limi-tations need to be addressed prior to clinical translation of this technology. They include low efficiency of reprogramming, heterogeneity of starting fibroblasts, functional immaturity of induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs), virus immunogenicity and toxicity, incomplete understanding of changes in the epigenetic landscape as fibro-blasts undergo reprogramming, and the environmental factors that influence fate conversion. Several studies have demonstrated that a combination of enforced expression of cardiac transcription factors along with certain cytokines and growth factors in the presence of favorable environmental cues (including extracellular matrix, topography, and mechanical properties) enhance the efficiency and quality of direct reprogramming. This paper reviews the literature on the influence of the microenvironment on direct cardiac reprogramming in vitro and in vivo.

Automated summary

Direct cardiac reprogramming is a novel therapy for heart regeneration by converting fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, but it faces limitations such as low efficiency and environmental factors; studies have shown that a combination of factors in favorable conditions can enhance the efficiency and quality of reprogramming.