Advances in cardiac organoid research: implications for cardiovascular disease treatment

Abstract

Globally, cardiovascular diseases remain among the leading causes of mortality, highlighting the urgent need for innovative research models. Consequently, the development of accurate models that simulate cardiac function holds significant scientific and clinical value for both disease research and therapeutic interventions. Cardiac organoids, which are three-dimensional structures derived from the induced differentiation of stem cells, are particularly promising. These organoids not only replicate the autonomous beating and essential electrophysiological properties of the heart but are also widely employed in studies related to cardiac diseases, drug efficacy testing, and regenerative medicine. This review comprehensively surveys the various fabrication techniques used to create cardiac organoids and their diverse applications in modeling a range of cardiac diseases. We emphasize the role of advanced technologies in enhancing the maturation and functionality of cardiac cells, ensuring that these models closely resemble native cardiac tissue. Furthermore, we discuss monitoring techniques and evaluation parameters critical for assessing the performance of cardiac organoids, considering the complex interactions within multi-organ systems. This approach is vital for enhancing precision and efficiency in drug development, allowing for more effective therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this review aims to provide a thorough and innovative perspective on both fundamental research and clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases, offering insights that could pave the way for future advancements in understanding and addressing these prevalent health challenges.

Keywords: Cardiac diseases; Cardiac organoids; Monitoring techniques; Multi-organ systems.

Fig. 1

Diverse Approaches to the Engineering of Cardiac Organoids. A Alternative methods involve the self-organization of cardiac cells, leading to the spontaneous formation of organoid structures that reflect the complex architecture of the heart; B Cardiac organoids are meticulously constructed utilizing engineered heart tissues (EHT); C Cardiac organoids can be developed through innovative organ-on-a-chip technology, allowing for dynamic interactions between cardiac tissues and their microenvironment, thus enhancing functional relevance

Fig. 2

Utilization of Cardiac Organoids in Disease Modeling. A Cardiac organoids serve as a sophisticated model for investigating myocardial infarction and myocardial fibrosis; B Simulating congenital heart disease with cardiac organoids; C Cardiac organoids are employed to model arrhythmias

Fig. 3

Applications of Multi-Organ Organoids. A Cardio-pulmonary organoids represent a novel integration of heart and lung tissues; B Cardio-renal organoids facilitate the study of heart-kidney interactions; C Cardio-intestinal organoids provide insights into the interplay between cardiac function and gastrointestinal health; D Cardio-cerebral organoids offer a unique model for exploring the connections between cardiac health and neurological function