Defining the Transcriptomic Profile of Suitable Fibroblasts to Support the Pacemaking Phenotype in hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Heart disease is a common issue that human’s often face. Sinoatrial node (SAN) dysfunction causes irregular heartbeats. Cell types within the SAN consist mainly of pacemaking cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are support cells that surround the SAN. Using porcine fibroblasts to study their genotype, phenotype, and how they interact with their environment can allow for better understanding of their role in the SAN. Porcine hearts are used due to their physiological similarities they share with human hearts. Fibroblasts can directly interact with the pacemaking cardiomyocytes and produce extracellular matrix proteins, including es of Ccollagen I, III, and IV, elastin, fibronectin, and laminin. Cell communication, organization, and secretions from fibroblast affect the SAN, which are the focus of the study.