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Molecular Profiling of the Cardiac Conduction System: the Dawn of a New Era

  • Regenerative Medicine (SM Wu, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Recent technological advances have led to an increased ability to define the gene expression profile of the cardiac conduction system (CCS). Here, we review the most salient studies to emerge in recent years and discuss existing gaps in our knowledge as well as future areas of investigation.

Recent Findings

Molecular profiling of the CCS spans several decades. However, the advent of high-throughput sequencing strategies has allowed for the discovery of unique transcriptional programs of the many diverse CCS cell types.

Summary

The CCS, a diverse structure with significant inter- and intra-component cellular heterogeneity, is essential to the normal function of the heart. Progress in transcriptomic profiling has improved the resolution and depth of characterization of these unique and clinically relevant CCS cell types. Future studies leveraging this big data will play a crucial role in improving our understanding of CCS development and function as well as translating these findings into tangible translational tools for the improved detection, prevention, and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA

    Sruthi Mantri, Sean M. Wu & William R. Goodyer

  2. Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA

    Sean M. Wu & William R. Goodyer

  3. Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA

    Sean M. Wu

  4. Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Electrophysiology, Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Room G1105 Lokey Stem Cell Research Building, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA

    William R. Goodyer

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  1. Sruthi Mantri
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Correspondence to William R. Goodyer.

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Mantri, S., Wu, S.M. & Goodyer, W.R. Molecular Profiling of the Cardiac Conduction System: the Dawn of a New Era. Curr Cardiol Rep 23, 103 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-021-01536-w

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