Background: Human cardiac stem cells expressing the W8B2 marker (W8B2 CSCs) were recently identified and proposed as a new model of multipotent CSCs capable of differentiating into smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells and immature myocytes. Nevertheless, no characterization of ion channel or calcium activity during the differentiation of these stem cells has been reported.
Methods: The objectives of this study were thus to analyze (using the TaqMan Low-Density Array technique) the gene profile of W8B2 CSCs pertaining to the regulation of ion channels, transporters and other players involved in the calcium homeostasis of these cells.
Recently, a new population of resident cardiac stem cells (CSCs) positive for the W8B2 marker has been identified. These CSCs are considered to be an ideal cellular source to repair myocardial damage after infarction. However, the electrophysiological profile of these cells has not been characterized yet.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFExcitation-contraction coupling in muscle cells is initiated by a restricted membrane depolarization delimited within the neuromuscular junction. This targeted depolarization triggers an action potential that propagates and induces a global cellular calcium response and a consequent contraction. To date, numerous studies have investigated this excitation-calcium response coupling by using different techniques to depolarize muscle cells.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: This last decade, a lot of emphasis has been placed on developing new cancer cell culture models, closer to in vivo condition, in order to test new drugs and therapies. In the case of colorectal cancer, the use of patient biopsies to seed 3D primary cultures and mimic tumor initiation necessitates the use of antibiotics to prevent microbial intestinal contamination. However, not only long term use of antibiotics may mask the presence of low levels of microbial contamination, it may also impact cancer cell phenotype.
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