University of Colorado

Yuanbiao Zhao

Timothy McKinsey

Kunhua Song

Pilar Londono

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.

Growing community of inventors

Denver, CO, United States of America

Yuanbiao Zhao