Advancements in induced pluripotent stem cell technology for cardiac regenerative medicine

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Cellular-based cardiac regenerative therapy serves as a potential approach to treating cardiovascular diseases. Although various cellular types have been tested, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are regarded as a promising cell source for therapy. In this review, we will highlight some of the advances in generating iPSCs and differentiation to cardiac cells. We will also discuss the progress in modeling cardiovascular diseases using iPSCs-derived cardiac cells. As we continue to make progress in iPSC and cardiac differentiation technology, we will come closer to the application of cardiac regenerative medicine. © The Author(s) 2014.