University of Colorado

Pilar Londono

Timothy McKinsey

Kunhua Song

Yuanbiao Zhao

Pro-fibrotic signaling potently antagonizes cardiac reprogramming. Inhibition of pro-fibrotic signaling using small molecules that target the transforming growth factor-&#x3b2;/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.

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Highlands Ranch, CO, United States of America

Pilar Londono