Abstract: Human induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) are a powerful tool for studying cardiovascular disease and drug screening. However, most current methods of cell culture result in cells resembling fetal myocardium, which is potentially problematic as most forms of cardiovascular disease occur in the adult heart. Disclosed systems and methods include culturing cells in fatty-acid based medium and on patterned growth to produce hiPSC-CMs which mimic adult cardiomyocytes and display a similar hypertrophic response as is observed in cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes methods of treating Danon disease, for example correcting genetic mutations in the LAMP-2 gene and ameliorating at least one Danon disease phenotype, for example defective LAMP-2B-mediated autophagy. In some implementations, the disclosed methods include editing a mutated form of the LAMP-2 gene in a patient in need thereof. In some implementations, editing the mutated form of the LAMP-2 gene may include use of a CRISPR editing technique targeted to the mutated form of the LAMP-2 gene. As a result, mutated LAMP-2 proteins in mammalian subjects may be restored in at least some of the affected cells, for example cardiomyocytes.

Abstract: Pro-fibrotic signaling potently antagonizes cardiac reprogramming. Inhibition of pro-fibrotic signaling using small molecules that target the transforming growth factor-?/SMAD, or Rho kinase leads to conversion of approximately 60% of fibroblasts into beating cardiomyocytes. Conversely, over-activation of these pro-fibrotic signaling networks inhibits cardiac reprogramming. Using the disclosed methods, fibroblasts are converted to spontaneously contracting cardiomyocytes in less than two weeks.

Abstract: Pro-fibrotic signaling potently antagonizes cardiac reprogramming. Inhibition of pro-fibrotic signaling using small molecules that target the transforming growth factor-?/SMAD, or Rho kinase leads to conversion of approximately 60% of fibroblasts into beating cardiomyocytes. Conversely, over-activation of these pro-fibrotic signaling networks inhibits cardiac reprogramming. Using the disclosed methods, fibroblasts are converted to spontaneously contracting cardiomyocytes in less than two weeks.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of transcription factors including Tbx5, Mef2C, Hand2, myocardin and Gata4 to reprogram cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Such methods find particular use in the treatment of patients post-myocardial infarction to prevent or limit scarring and to promote myocardial repair.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of transcription factors including Tbx5, Mef2C, Hand2, myocardin and Gata4 to reprogram cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Such methods find particular use in the treatment of patients post-myocardial infarction to prevent or limit scarring and to promote myocardial repair.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of transcription factors including Tbx5, Mef2C, Hand2, myocardin and Gata4 to reprogram cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Such methods find particular use in the treatment of patients post-myocardial infarction to prevent or limit scarring and to promote myocardial repair.

Abstract: The present invention involves the use of transcription factors including Tbx5, Mef2C, Hand2, myocardin and Gata4 to reprogram cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes, both in vitro and in vivo. Such methods find particular use in the treatment of patients post-myocardial infarction to prevent or limit scarring and to promote myocardial repair.