Grant Award Details

Microenvironment for hiPSC-derived pacemaking cardiomyocytes
Grant Number: 
DISC2-10120
Project Objective: 
  • Develop a proof-of-concept biopacemaker consisting of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes in a porcine matrix scaffold from the sinoatrial node.

Investigator: 
Type: 
PI
Disease Focus: 
Heart Disease
Human Stem Cell Use: 
iPS Cell
Award Value: 
$2,042,438
Status: 
Closed

Progress Reports

Reporting Period: 
NCE #1
Reporting Period: 
NCE #2

Grant Application Details

Application Title: 
  • Microenvironment for hiPSC-derived pacemaking cardiomyocytes
Public Abstract: 

Research Objective

This proposal investigates the effects of the microenvironment on the development and maintenance of pacemaking function in human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes.

Impact

Pacemaking function of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes is lost over time. Sustainability of pacemaking function of these cells is critical for engineering an biopacemaker from the patient's own cells.

Major Proposed Activities

  • Determine the effects of matrix scaffolds on the differentiation and maintenance of pacemaking function in hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.
  • Determine the appropriate hiPSC-derived cardiac cells to be subjected to the microenvironment for efficient yield of pacemaking hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes.
  • Induce vascularization in tissue constructs in small animals to sustain pacemaking tissue construct.
  • Test sustainability of a functional pacemaking tissue construct in a small animal model.
Statement of Benefit to California: 

Over 350,000 patients a year in the U.S. require an electronic pacemaker to restore their heart rhythm. The annual healthcare burden amounts to $20 billion. Repeated surgeries to replace battery and electrical parts generate additional costs and suffering for the patients. A biopacemaker engineered from human stem cell-derived pacemaking cells can overcome problems associated with electronics and improve the quality of life for the pacemaker recipient while reducing cumulative health care costs.