Mechanical stimulation promotes the maturation of cardiomyocyte-like cells from P19 cells and the function in a mouse model of myocardial infarction

In this study, we aimed to promote the maturation of cardiomyocytes-like cells by mechanical stimulation, and evaluate their therapeutic potential against myocardial infarction. The cyclic tensile strain was used to induce the maturation of cardsiomyocyte-like cells from P19 cells in vitro. Western blot and qPCR assays were performed to examine protein and gene expression, respectively. High-resolution respirometry was used to assay cell function. The induced cells were then evaluated for their therapeutic effect. In vitro, we observed cyclic tensile strain induced P19 cell differentiation into cardiomyocyte-like cells, as indicated by the increased expression of cardiomyocyte maturation-related genes such as Myh6, Myl2, and Gja1. Furthermore, cyclic tensile strain increased the antioxidant capacity of cardiomyocytes by upregulating the expression Sirt1, a gene important for P19 maturation into cardiomyocyte-like cells. High-resolution respirometry analysis of P19 cells following cyclic tensile strain showed enhanced metabolic function. In vivo, stimulated P19 cells enhanced cardiac function in a mouse model of myocardial infarction, and these mice showed decreased infarction-related biomarkers. The current study demonstrates a simple yet effective mean to induce the maturation of P19 cells into cardiomyocyte-like cells, with a promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of myocardial infarction.