0393: Impact of miR-378* and its target desmin intermediate filament on mitochondria distribution in cardiomyocytes
Background MiR-378 and miR-378* microRNAs are derived from an intron of the PGC-1β gene, a regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Their expression is either repressed or increased during heart failure depending on the model. Through proteomics approaches, we previously identified new targets of these miRs in H9c2 fetal cardiomyoblasts, among which lactate dehydrogenase for miR-378 and key cytoskeletal proteins for miR-378*. Aims To better assess its role in energy metabolism and differentiation; we overexpressed miR-378 and miR-378* in primary neonate rat cardiomyocytes (NRC) that are more differentiated and less proliferative than H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Results We identified desmin as a new…
Can bone marrow-derived multipotent adult progenitor cells regenerate infarcted myocardium?
Objectives: To assess the functional effects of multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) transplanted in a rat model of chronic myocardial infarction. Methods: Forty-four rats underwent coronary ligation and, 14 days later, were randomly allocated to receive in-scar injections (5×106 cells/150 μL) of green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-transduced allogeneic MAPCs ( n =25) or culture medium (controls, n =19). Nine of the MAPC-treated hearts were employed for functional studies while the remaining 16 received cells co-labeled with Resovist™ and were only used for serial histological assessments. Left ventricular (LV) function was assessed echocardiographically before transplantation and 1 mont…