Using stem cells to better understand beta receptors in heart cells

Human cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells to study β-adrenoceptor signalling (renewal)

A research team led by Professor Sian Harding at the National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London has been awarded BHF funding of over £1 million to study heart cells in detail. This funding over three years will build on a previous pilot of 2 years’ work looking at the behaviour of heart cells. They are continuing to focus on important proteins present on the surface of heart cells called beta receptors. These receptors respond to signals in the heart cells’ environment, causing the cells to contract more rapidly or strongly. The hormone adrenaline is one of the signals that the cells respond to in this way. Although the beta receptor responses allow the heart to adjust its work rate, in the long term they can lead to cell damage and disease. The mechanism has been known about for many years and is why many patients take beta-blocker medicines to manage their heart disease. There are two types of beta receptor – beta1 and beta2. It’s thought that beta1 receptors may be the ones contributing to the disease process in the long term, whereas beta2 receptors may be more protective. More research is needed to understand how beta2 receptors may protect the heart. Professor Harding will work with researchers based in Nottingham and examine heart cells made from stem cells to learn more about the behaviour of beta receptors. Samples will also be obtained from individuals with heart conditions to understand the behaviour of the cells and the protein receptors on the surface. This may help to quickly identify valuable new medicines that act on the damaged heart cells through the beta receptors.