A method to generate cardiac pericytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a novel method for the first time to generate cardiac pericytes from human induced pluripotent stem cells that closely resemble primary cells. This discovery could lead to a more effective research model for coronary microvasculature dysfunction, as well as present a platform for drug screening or stem cell therapy.

Cardiac pericytes are an abundant cell type in the heart, thought to play an important role in the maintenance of coronary microvasculature, yet are relatively understudied. Coronary microvascular dysfunction is increasingly recognized in types of cardiovascular disease, underlining the need for more effective studies of cardiac pericytes under pathophysiological conditions. However, this goal was not readily achievable due to the scarcity of human primary cardiac pericytes. To circumvent this technical bottleneck, the inventors developed a stepwise differentiation protocol with precise activation or inhibition of key morphogens at each step, yielding pure progenitor cells and induced cardiac pericytes (named "iPSC-CPs") that share comparable levels of cell markers as primary cardiac pericytes, as well as in vivo functional characteristics. This method represents a first-of-its-kind in the field, and thus may lead to a more effective research and therapeutic platform for coronary microvascular disease.

Stage of Development
Proof of concept