Resveratrol promotes differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells to cardiomyocytes

Abstract

Summary Aim Embryonic stem cells ( ESC s) are capable to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, with the potential to treat cardiovascular diseases. However, directed differentiation is still a challenge faced by scientists. As a natural substance in grapes, resveratrol ( RV ) is important for cardiovascular protection. The studies of RV and its effects on ESC differentiation have potential clinical applications. Methods Using mouse embryonic stem cells ( mESC s), we investigated the effects of different concentrations of RV (5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 μmol/L) exposure on mESC s viability, expression levels of cardiac marker genes in embryoid bodies ( EB s) derived from mESC s, expression levels of maturity indicative cardiac markers in cardiomyocytes derived from mESC s, and the beating properties of EBs. Results About 10 μmol/L of RV showed no toxicity on cell viability and was the optimal concentration to promote mESC differentiation, induce mESC differentiation to cardiomyocytes, and gain the beating properties of EB s. Conclusion RV can successfully direct the differentiation of mESC s into cardiomyocytes, shedding light on its future applications to treat cardiovascular diseases.