In:
Stem Cells, Oxford University Press (OUP), Vol. 27, No. 1 ( 2009-01-01), p. 88-99
Abstract:
Laminins form a large family of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and their expression is a prerequisite for normal embryonic development. Herein we investigated the role of the laminin γ1 chain for cardiac muscle differentiation and function using cardiomyocytes derived from embryonic stem cells deficient in the LAMC1 gene. Laminin γ1 (−/−) cardiomyocytes lacked basement membranes (BM), whereas their sarcomeric organization was unaffected. Accordingly, electrical activity and hormonal regulation were found to be intact. However, the inadequate BM formation led to an increase of ECM deposits between adjacent cardiomyocytes, and this resulted in defects of the electrical signal propagation. Furthermore, we also found an increase in the number of pacemaker areas. Thus, although laminin and intact BM are not essential for cardiomyocyte development and differentiation per se, they are required for the normal deposition of matrix molecules and critical for intact electrical signal propagation.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1066-5099
,
1549-4918
DOI:
10.1634/stemcells.2008-0335
Language:
English
Publisher:
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Publication Date:
2009
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2030643-X
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1143556-2
detail.hit.zdb_id:
605570-9
SSG:
12
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