Direct reprogramming from fibroblasts into cardiamyocytes

Abstract

Cardiac regenerative therapy has attracted much attention as a novel approach for heart diseases. Direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes without going through a pluripotent stem cell stage would provide a promising source of cells for cell transplantation in future. This review summarizes the research methods and problems of direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo, and forecasts the future development of this new strategy.