Overexpression of GATA binding protein 4 and myocyte enhancer factor 2C induces differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into cardiac-like cells
Syeda Saima Razzaq, Irfan Khan, Nadia Naeem, Asmat Salim, Sumreen Begum, Kanwal Haneef
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Heart diseases are the primary cause of death all over the world. Following myocardial infarction, billions of cells die, resulting in a huge loss of cardiac function. Stem cell-based therapies have appeared as a new area to support heart regeneration. The transcription factors GATA binding protein 4 (GATA-4) and myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) are considered prominent factors in the development of the cardiovascular system. AIM: To explore the potential of GATA-4 and MEF2C for the cardiac differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs). METHODS: immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry, and by their potential to differentiate into osteocytes and adipocytes. hUC-MSCs were transfected with GATA-4, MEF2C, and their combination to direct the differentiation. Cardiac differentiation was confirmed by semiquantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS: , and cardiac proteins GATA-4, NKX2.5, cardiac troponin T, and connexin-43. CONCLUSION: Transfection with GATA-4, MEF2C, and their combination effectively induces cardiac differentiation in hUC-MSCs. These genetically modified MSCs could be a promising treatment option for heart diseases in the future.