This volume provides methodologies for ES and iPS cell technology on the study of cardiovascular diseases. Chapters guide readers through protocols on cardiomyocyte generation from pluripotent stem cells, physiological measurements, bioinformatic analysis, gene editing technology, and cell transplantation studies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Pluripotent Stem-Cell Derived Cardiomyocytes aims to help researchers set up experiments using pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac cells.

This book covers the latest information on the anatomic features, underlying physiologic mechanisms, and treatments for diseases of the heart. Key chapters address animal models for cardiac research, cardiac mapping systems, heart-valve disease and genomics-based tools and technology. Once again, a companion of supplementary videos offer unique insights into the working heart that enhance the understanding of key points within the text. Comprehensive and state-of-the art, the Handbook of Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology and Devices, Third Edition provides clinicians and biomedical engineers alike with the authoritative information and background they need to work on and implement tomorrow’s generation of life-saving cardiac devices.

Cell-based, in vitro models of the cardiovascular system are invaluable for enhancing our understanding of cardiovascular health and disease. In recent years, the development of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology has enabled effective modeling of cardiovascular diseases. In the first part of my thesis work, we utilized iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) to investigate the effects of microgravity on cardiomyocyte function and gene expression. This study represented both the first implementation of long-term human cell culture in space and the first use of iPSC technology to model the effects of spaceflight on human cardiomyocyte structure and function. The major drawback of using iPSC-CMs for cardiovascular modeling is their immature, fetal-like phenotype. In the second part of my thesis work, we utilized EHTs to enhance iPSC-CM maturation and further validate the results from two iPSC-CM studies that investigated (1) the mechanism by which a mutation in MYBPC3, a contractile protein, causes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and (2) patient-specific responses to calcium channel blockers, a class of drugs commonly used to treat hypertension. In the final part of my thesis work, we utilized a sheep carotid interposition graft model to investigate whether a biodegradable external sheath could reduce graft maladaptation and failure. Collectively, this work describes the use of animal models, iPSCs, and tissue engineering to effectively model cardiovascular risks, disease, and drug responses.

To achieve cardiac regeneration using pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, researchers must understand iPS cell generation methods, cardiomyocyte differentiation protocols, cardiomyocyte characterization methods, and tissue engineering. This book presents the current status and future possibilities in cardiac regeneration using iPS cells. Written by top researchers who present new data in these fields, this book reviews cardiac cell therapy for ischemic heart disease and explores in vitro generation of efficacious platelets from iPS cells. It also discusses modeling arrhythmogenic heart disease with patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells.