Cardiomyocytes

This book presents the latest findings in the field of cardiac mechanobiology in health and disease.
Cardiac mechanobiology provides knowledge of all aspects of mechanobiology of the heart. Cardiomyogenesis is discussed as well as the mechanobiology of cardiac remodeling and regeneration. The molecular mechanisms of mechanoperception and mechanotransduction in cardiomyocytes are explained, as well as stretch induced differentiation of cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells.

In this fully revised edition of an established classic, expert researchers and clinicians describe in step-by-step detail updated techniques for the isolation and growth of major primary cell types, such as kidney proximal tubule cells, hepatocytes, keratinocytes, and cardiomyocytes.

The difference among pluripotent stem cells, multipotent stem cells, and unipotent stem cells is pointed out. Vast therapeutic applications of the following specific stem cells in disease and tissue injury are discussed: human embryonic stem cells, human mesenchymal stem cells, germ cell-derived pluripotent stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, human umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells, breast tumor stem cells,and hematopoietic stem cells.

Pathological heart rhythms are a major health issue. In this book experts from various fields provide an important context for understanding the complicated molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie normal and pathophysiological cardiac rhythms.

Many drugs, including those used in cancer patient treatments can cause injuries to human heart. As number of cured cancer patients continues to increase, the issue of cardiotoxicity is currently being subject of intensive research, since it can harmly influence long-term health condition of patients. This book reviews this subject over seven chapters which are briefly described below.