Calcium Handling in hiPSC-Derived Cardiomyocytes

Abstract

Calcium is crucial in governing the contractile activities of myofilaments in cardiomyocytes. The characterization of calcium handling properties in human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived cardiomyocytes ({iPSC-CMCs)} is of significant interest and pertinent to the stem cell and cardiac regenerative field because of their potential patient-specific therapeutic use. In this book, readers can learn the approaches and parameters that have to be considered for calcium handling studies: these include the importance of the sarcoplasmic reticulum ({SR)}, which governs the maturity of cardiomyocytes; the role of {SR} junctional proteins that facilitate calcium release and uptake through the {SR;} and the extent of immaturity of {iPSC-CMCs} compared with those derived from human embryonic stem cells in terms of calcium homeostasis. Future study would suggest potential uses of {hiPSC-CMCs} as a platform for cardiomyopathy disease modeling, especially certain cardiac defects related to impaired calcium homeostasis causing arrhythmia and pumping defeats. Last, a detailed protocol for calcium-sensitive dye calibration, calcium transient recording, and electrical contraction coupling is included.