Modulation of calcium-activated potassium channels induces cardiogenesis of pluripotent stem cells and enrichment of pacemaker-like cells.

Background: Ion channels are key determinants for the function of excitable cells, but little is known about their role and involvement during cardiac development. Earlier work identified Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels of small and intermediate conductance (SKCas) as important regulators of neural stem cell fate. Here we have investigated their impact on the differentiation of pluripotent cells toward the cardiac lineage.