The optimal cell lineage for cardiac-regeneration approaches remains mysterious. Additionally, electrical\nstimulation promotes cardiomyogenic differentiation of stimulated cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that\nelectrical conditioning of cardiomyocyte progenitor cells (CMPCs) might enrich their cardiovascular potential.\nCMPCs were isolated from human adult atrial appendages, characterized, and electrically stimulated for 7 and\n14 days. Electrical stimulation modulated CMPCs gene and protein expression, increasing all cardiac markers.\nGATA-binding protein 4 (GATA4) early transcription factor was significantly overexpressed (P = 0.008), but also\nits coactivator myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) was upregulated (P = 0.073) under electrical stimulation.\nMoreover, important structural proteins and calcium handling-related genes were enhanced. The cardioregeneration\ncapability of CMPCs is improved by electrical field stimulation. Consequently, short-term electrical stimulation\nshould be a valid biophysical approach to modify cardiac progenitor cells toward a cardiogenic phenotype, and\ncan be incorporated into transdifferentiation protocols. Electrostimulated CMPCs may be best-equipped cells for\nmyocardial integration after implantation.
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