ABSTRACT
Activation of the heart normally begins in the sinoatrial node (SAN). Electrical impulses spontaneously released by SAN pacemaker cells (SANPCs) trigger the contraction of the heart. However, the cellular nature of SANPCs remains controversial. Here, we report that SANPCs exhibit glutamatergic neuron-like properties. By comparing the single-cell transcriptome of SANPCs with that of cells from primary visual cortex in mouse, we found that SANPCs co-clustered with cortical neurons. Tissue and cellular imaging confirmed that SANPCs contained key elements of glutamatergic neurotransmitter system, expressing genes encoding glutamate synthesis pathway (Gls), ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors (Grina, Gria3, Grm1 and Grm5), and glutamate transporters (Slc17a7). SANPCs highly expressed cell markers of glutamatergic neurons (Snap25 and Slc17a7), whereas Gad1, a marker of GABAergic neurons, was negative. Functional studies revealed that inhibition of glutamate receptors or transporters reduced spontaneous pacing frequency of isolated SAN tissues and spontaneous Ca
ABSTRACT
Heart is the first organ to function during mammalian embryogenesis. The differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into cardiomyocyte is complex and dynamic, which involves 4 differentiation stages including ESCs, mesoderm, cardiac precursor, and terminal cardiomyocytes. Abnormal expression of certain genes can lead to congenital heart diseases during cardiomyocyte differentiation. Epigenetic regulation plays a crucial role on the switch of gene activation and deactivation during cardiomyocyte differentiation. Non-coding RNA, particularly microRNA and long non-coding RNA, may significantly influence gene expression. Exploring the regulatory roles of non-coding RNA in cardiomyocyte differentiation may contribute to the understanding of the functions of myocardial cells and mechanism of congenital heart diseases.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Cell Differentiation , Genetics , Embryo, Mammalian , Physiology , Embryonic Stem Cells , Physiology , Epigenesis, Genetic , Genetics , Myocytes, Cardiac , Physiology , RNA, Long Noncoding , GeneticsABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the predictive value of an early inflammatory response factor, Rho kinase activity for left ventricle remodeling (LVR) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: A total of 120 acute STEMI patients treated in our hospital from 2010-10 to 2013-06 were studied, all patients were ifrst time received primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation. Rho kinase activity and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured before PCI, echocardiography was conducted at 24 hours and 12 months after STEMI respectively to clarify LVR diagnosis. The patients were divided into 2 groups as LVR group, n=97 and Non-LVR group, n=23, the above indexes were compared between 2 groups. Results: The level of Rho kinase was higher in LVR group than that in Non-LVR group, P Conclusion: High Rho kinase activity could predict LVR in acute STEMI patients with primary PCI and stent implantation.
ABSTRACT
Experimental course for integrative life science curriculum is designed for medical students ,which integrates basic knowledge and skills of cellular biology,biochemistry,genetics,molec-ular biology,molecular genetics,and immunology disciplines. Tongji University School of Medicine start-ed to implement integration-based new curriculum system since 2010. This article discussed on teaching philosophy,teaching content,teaching methods,teaching team construction and explored the effect and significance of experimental course for integrative life science curriculum.