IRhythmics is a joint project with the aim of using pacemaker cells obtained from stem cells for in vitro drug testing to treat cardiac arrhythmia.

The researchers, led by Professor Robert David from the Reference and Translation Centre for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy at the University Medical Centre in Rostock, are introducing mRNA into the cells to generate pacemaker cells. The new method is better than the conventional method of inserting integrating viral vectors. The aim is to produce stable cells that no longer change, which cannot be ruled out with the conventional vector technique.

For their research, the working groups receive the funding from the European Social Fund (ESF).

The cells obtained using this method are currently being characterised.

Literature on the topic:
Jung, J. J., Husse, B., Rimmbach, C., Krebs, S., Stieber, J., Steinhoff, G., Dendorfer, A., Franz, W. M. & David, R. (2014). Programming and isolation of highly pure physiologically and pharmacologically functional sinus-nodal bodies from pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2(5): 592-605. doi: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.03.006.
 
Sources:
https/www.idw-online.de/de/news695919<font color=#38B0DE>-=http://www.cardiac-stemcell-therapy.com/team=- Proudly Presentshttp://www.cardiac-stemcell-therapy.com/stammzellforschung.php