BTS Scientific Symposium I - Welcome to the Neighborhood: Diversity of Heterocellular Interactions in the Heart-BTS Scientific Symposium I - Welcome to the Neighborhood: Diversity of Heterocellular Interactions in the Heart

Video Transcription

Video Summary

In a session focused on the basic sciences and translational medicine, experts explored the diverse cellular interactions within the heart and their impacts on heart function and electrophysiology. The session included a variety of talks addressing different cell populations such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, glial cells, and immune cells.<br /><br />Michelle Tallquist discussed new insights into fibroblast populations, highlighting that while traditionally thought to be abundant, they are less prolific than endothelial cells and exhibit significant heterogeneity depending on their heart region. Tallquist’s research also found that depleting fibroblasts in mouse hearts impacted heart structure and function differently, particularly after inducing myocardial infarction.<br /><br />Another presentation focused on the role of immune cells in arrhythmias, identifying that neutrophils play a crucial role in early arrhythmia post-myocardial infarction in mice models, a finding supported by patient cohort studies linking high neutrophil counts with increased arrhythmia risk.<br /><br />Joanna Montgomery explored the heart's neural networks, particularly the role of ganglionated plexi (GP) neurons in atrial fibrillation. The research suggested that these neurons in AF patients show increased excitability and synaptic changes, revealing potential targets for therapeutic intervention.<br /><br />Lastly, Fernando Santana discussed the relationship between microvascular structures and cardiomyocyte function. His findings indicated that vascular density might significantly influence cellular excitability, proposing a new perspective on how microvasculature could affect heart rhythms.<br /><br />Overall, the session underscored the complexity of heart cell interactions and highlighted potential new paths for clinical therapies.

Keywords

heart function

electrophysiology

fibroblasts

endothelial cells

immune cells

myocardial infarction

arrhythmias

neural networks

ganglionated plexi

microvascular structures