FGF-2 controls the differentiation of resident cardiac precursors into functional cardiomyocytes
Nathalie Rosenblatt-Velin, … , Friedrich Beermann, Thierry Pedrazzini
Nathalie Rosenblatt-Velin, … , Friedrich Beermann, Thierry Pedrazzini
Published July 1, 2005
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2005;115(7):1724-1733. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI23418.
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Research Article Cardiology

FGF-2 controls the differentiation of resident cardiac precursors into functional cardiomyocytes

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that the heart possesses a greater regeneration capacity than previously thought. In the present study, we isolated undifferentiated precursors from the cardiac nonmyocyte cell population of neonatal hearts, expanded them in culture, and induced them to differentiate into functional cardiomyocytes. These cardiac precursors appear to express stem cell antigen–1 and demonstrate characteristics of multipotent precursors of mesodermal origin. Following infusion into normal recipients, these cells home to the heart and participate in physiological and pathophysiological cardiac remodeling. Cardiogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo depends on FGF-2. Interestingly, this factor does not control the number of precursors but regulates the differentiation process. These findings suggest that, besides its angiogenic actions, FGF-2 could be used in vivo to facilitate the mobilization and differentiation of resident cardiac precursors in the treatment of cardiac diseases.

Authors

Nathalie Rosenblatt-Velin, Mario G. Lepore, Cristina Cartoni, Friedrich Beermann, Thierry Pedrazzini

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Differentiation of cardiac precursors into functional cardiomyocytes. (A...
Differentiation of cardiac precursors into functional cardiomyocytes. (A) RT-PCR analysis of cardiac-specific gene expression in NMCs from FGF-2+/+ or FGF-2–/– mice maintained in control (C) or differentiation medium (D) in the absence of FGF-2 (None), after 1 week or 3 weeks in culture. (B) Quantification of troponin I+ cells and spontaneously contracting cells in culture of differentiated cardiac precursor from FGF-2+/+ and FGF-2–/– mice after 3 weeks in control medium (white bars) or differentiation medium (black bars); n = 6–10. *P < 0.05. (C) RT-PCR analysis of cardiac-specific gene expression in NMCs from FGF-2+/+ or FGF-2–/– mice maintained in control or differentiation medium in the presence of FGF-2 or FGF-1 after 1 week or 3 weeks in culture.