Utilization of Stem Cells to Grow Beating Heart

Scientists have confirmed what could be incredible progress in tissue engineering and generating organs. Through the use of stem cells, or more specifically induced pluripotent stem cells, these scientists were able to grow heart muscle tissue. How did they do it?  Induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells, are regular cells that are programmed back into a stem cell state which, in turn, allows re-designation to develop into any type of cell. The iPS cells were then prompted to become heart precursor cells.

By forming a scaffold and allowing heart precursor cells to adhere and grow, the cells slowly developed. Overtime the cells then generated heart muscle and after 20 days of supplying blood the newly formed tissue began to have steady heart rate of around 40 to 50 beats per minute. However, senior researcher Lei Yang notes,” It is still far from making a whole human heart” as the heart tissue does not contract strongly enough nor simulates the electrical system like that of a whole heart. There is optimism. The scientists hope with their research that tissue damaged in the heart could later be replaced or, with even more research, can provide an entirely reconstructed heart for patients who need it.

This article grabbed my attention due to its possible applications and the progress that has been made into doing something like growing a heart. In addition, millions of peoples’ lives are affected by heart diseases and millions of those people die from it. With this approach, it could be possible to save lives and help patients with heart ailments to recovery.

http://news.discovery.com/tech/biotechnology/stem-cells-grow-beating-heart-130814.htm