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Review
. 2025 Jan 22;10(1):6.
doi: 10.1038/s41536-025-00394-2.

Revitalizing the heart: strategies and tools for cardiomyocyte regeneration post-myocardial infarction

Axelle Bois  1   2 , Catarina Grandela  1 , James Gallant  1 , Christine Mummery  3 , Philippe Menasché  2
Affiliations
Review

Revitalizing the heart: strategies and tools for cardiomyocyte regeneration post-myocardial infarction

Axelle Bois et al. NPJ Regen Med. .

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI) causes the loss of millions of cardiomyocytes, and current treatments do not address this root issue. New therapies focus on stimulating cardiomyocyte division in the adult heart, inspired by the regenerative capacities of lower vertebrates and neonatal mice. This review explores strategies for heart regeneration, offers insights into cardiomyocyte proliferation, evaluates in vivo models, and discusses integrating in vitro human cardiac models to advance cardiac regeneration research.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: C.L.M. is a co-founder of Pluriomics B.V. (now Ncardia B.V.) and has advisory roles in HeartBeat.bio AG, Angios GmBH, Mogrify Limited and Sartorius AG. P.M., A.B., J.G. and C.G. declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1. Mechanisms of cardiac regeneration loss in postnatal mammals.
The transition from fetal to adult stages encompasses several changes, including modulation of oxygen levels, shifts in energy metabolism, regulation by epigenetic factors and hormones, modifications in cytoarchitecture and extracellular matrix components and rigidity, adjustments in cardiac cell populations, control of the cell-cycle, activation or deactivation of signalling pathways, and the roles played by transcription factors. The understanding of this fetal-to-adult cardiac transition has highlighted numerous potential molecular strategies for cardiac regeneration. Created in BioRender. Axelle, B. (2021) BioRender.com/n07c558.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2. Experimental models and their limitations.
Advantages and disadvantages of animal and in vitro models for cardiac regenerative studies. Created in BioRender. Axelle, B. (2021) BioRender.com/u90h698.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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