Cardiomyocyte platform

Scope of the method

The Method relates to
  • Human health
The Method is situated in
  • Basic Research
Type of method
  • In vitro - Ex vivo
This method makes use of
  • Human derived cells / tissues / organs
Specify the type of cells/tissues/organs
Cardiomyoctyes, myocard

Description

Method keywords
  • drug development
  • embryonic stem cells
  • induced pluripotent stem cells
  • multi electrode array
  • cardio
Scientific area keywords
  • cardiovascular disorders
  • cardiac toxicity
Method description

Functional cardiomyocytes can be efficiently derived from human pluripotent stem cells, which collectively include embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Specific affected biological pathways involved in disease can be functionally studied in differentiated cells at a single patient resolution and identify genetic and phenotypic correlations. In our research group, this cardiomyocyte platform presents opportunities 1. to understand complex congenital cardiovascular disorders and 2. for development of pharmacologically relevant in vitro screens to detect cardiac toxicity. Cardiac toxicity is an unfortunate side effect of several drug compounds increasing the risk for morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, discontinuation of approval or withdrawal of these drugs for clinical use imposes financial drawbacks to pharmaceutical companies. To improve drug performance and reduce costs for drug development, cellular methods that screen for cardiotoxic effects early in the discovery process are available in my group.

Lab equipment

Multi electrode arrays (MEA)

Method status
  • Internally validated

Contact person

Jolanda van Hengel

Organisations

Ghent University (UGent)
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Belgium
Flemish Region