First Functional Biological Pacemaker from Human Stem Cell

Scientists from the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University Health Network have developed an alternative of the electrical pacemaker. The scientists have created a biological pacemaker for which they have used cells from stem cells. The scientists have said that their newly developed "Sinoatrial node cardiomyocytes derived from human pluripotent cells functions as a natural pacemaker".

Additionally, this new finding shows how human pluripotent stem cells can be coaxed in 21 days to develop into pacemaker cells. The pacemaker cells helps to regulate heart beats with electrical impulses. The scientists have used the newly made pacemaker on rat hearts where they found how it functions. Moreover, the scientists have also experienced the process of pacemaker that activates the electrical impulses while triggering the contraction of the heart.

As per the research, Pluripotent stem cells have the potential to differentiate into over 200 different cell types that create every tissue and organ in the body.

Content Source: Hindustan Times

Image Source: https://www.oncology-central.com/2016/11/07/targeting-egfl6-may-inhibit-growth-ovarian-cancer/