Human embryonic-stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes regenerate non-human primate hearts

Nature. 2014 Jun 12;510(7504):273-7. doi: 10.1038/nature13233. Epub 2014 Apr 30.

Abstract

Pluripotent stem cells provide a potential solution to current epidemic rates of heart failure by providing human cardiomyocytes to support heart regeneration. Studies of human embryonic-stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hESC-CMs) in small-animal models have shown favourable effects of this treatment. However, it remains unknown whether clinical-scale hESC-CM transplantation is feasible, safe or can provide sufficient myocardial regeneration. Here we show that hESC-CMs can be produced at a clinical scale (more than one billion cells per batch) and cryopreserved with good viability. Using a non-human primate model of myocardial ischaemia followed by reperfusion, we show that cryopreservation and intra-myocardial delivery of one billion hESC-CMs generates extensive remuscularization of the infarcted heart. The hESC-CMs showed progressive but incomplete maturation over a 3-month period. Grafts were perfused by host vasculature, and electromechanical junctions between graft and host myocytes were present within 2 weeks of engraftment. Importantly, grafts showed regular calcium transients that were synchronized to the host electrocardiogram, indicating electromechanical coupling. In contrast to small-animal models, non-fatal ventricular arrhythmias were observed in hESC-CM-engrafted primates. Thus, hESC-CMs can remuscularize substantial amounts of the infarcted monkey heart. Comparable remuscularization of a human heart should be possible, but potential arrhythmic complications need to be overcome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Arrhythmias, Cardiac / physiopathology
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Cell Survival
  • Coronary Vessels / physiology
  • Cryopreservation
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Electrocardiography
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Heart*
  • Humans
  • Macaca nemestrina
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Myocardial Infarction / pathology*
  • Myocardial Infarction / therapy*
  • Myocytes, Cardiac / cytology*
  • Regeneration*
  • Regenerative Medicine / methods

Substances

  • Calcium