PITX2 Knockout Induces Key Findings of Electrical Remodeling as Seen in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation [PITX2-Knockout führt zu Schlüsselbefunden der elektrischen Umstrukturierung bei persistierendem Vorhofflimmern]

Schulz, Carl; Lemoine, Marc D.; Mearini, Giulia; Koivumaeki, Jussi; Sani, Jascha; Schwedhelm, Edzard; Kirchhof, Paulus; Ghalawinji, Amer; Stoll, Monika; Hansen, Arne; Eschenhagen, Thomas; Christ, Torsten

Abstract

Electrical remodeling in human persistent atrial fibrillation is believed to result from rapid electrical activation of the atria, but underlying genetic causes may contribute. Indeed, common gene variants in an enhancer region close to PITX2 (paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2) are strongly associated with atrial fibrillation, but the mechanism behind this association remains unknown. This study evaluated the consequences of PITX2 deletion (PITX2-/-) in human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes.