Ingeneron Incorporated

Alliance of Cardiovascular Researchers

Alliance of Cardiovascular Research

Tahereh Karimi

Eckhard U Alt

Adult stem cells are reprogrammed to form pacemaker cells and Purkinje cells through the sequential activation of SHOX2&#x3e;TBX5&#x3e;HCN2. These Purkinje cells spontaneously surround and connect with the larger pacemaker cells, thus forming an induced sinoatrial body that produces funny current and can make cardiovascular tissues beat in a manner similar to a natural sinoatrial node.

Induced pacemaker and Purkinje cells from adult stem cells

Methods of differentiating unmodified adult stem cells into functional beta-like cells are provided, as well as compositions, tissues and devices containing such cells. The method requires inducing sequential expression of PDX1, NGN3, and MAFA in these stem cells to form reprogrammed beta cells. Methods of treating diabetes are also provided, comprising obtaining stem cells, preferably from a patient with diabetes, inducing sequential expression of PDX1, NGN3, and MAFA, in said stem cells to form reprogrammed beta cells, and introducing said reprogrammed beta cells into a pancreas of said patient. Alternatively, it may be possible to inject such cells systemically, if the cells are targeted for the pancreas. In yet another embodiment, the reprogrammed beta cells are placed into an artificial pancreas that is surgically placed or injected into the patient.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Tahereh Karimi