1. Cardiac arrhythmias
2. Electrophysiology
3. Biological pacemakers
4. Artificial intelligence
MD. National Cheng-Kung University
Ph.D. National Yang-Ming University
Post-doctor fellow, Heart Institute, Cedar Sinai Medical Center, USA
Attending physician, Division of Cardiology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital.
Methods: Tbx18 (T-box transcription factor 18)-induced PCs and fibroblasts were used for cocultures and engineered tissues, which were used as the in vitro models to explore how fibroblasts regulate the functional integrity of SANs. RNA-sequencing, metabolomics, and cellular and molecular techniques were applied to characterize the molecular signals underlying metabolic reprogramming and identify its critical regulators. These pathways were further validated in vivo in rodents and induced human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.
Conclusions: Fibroblasts drive Aldoc-mediated metabolic reprogramming and rhythmic regulation in SANs. This work details the cellular machinery behind the complex milieu of vertebrate SANs and opens a new direction for future therapy.