P-74: Effect of Fndc5 Overexpression onCardiac Differentiation Rate of mESCs

Background: Fibronectin type III domain-containing 5 proteins (Fndc5), an exercise hormone, formerly known as peroxisomal protein that was cloned in 2002. Transcript profile analysis of Fndc5 revealed high degree of expression in heart, skeletal muscle and brain. Our recent studies indicated a significant increase (approximately 10 folds) in mRNA level of Fndc5 when mouse embryonic stem cells were differentiated into beating bodies. Materials and Methods: As a step closer to identify the involvement of Fndc5 in process of cardiomyocyte differentiation, we generated a stably inducible transduced mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) line that overexpressed Fndc5 following doxycycline induction. Results: Our results indicate that overexpression of Fndc5during cardiac differentiation significantly increased not only RNA levels of mesodermal markers but also the transcriptional levels of cardiac progenitors and cardiomyocyte markers. These data suggest that Fndc5 may be involved in cardiomyocyte differentiation. Conclusion: Therefore, a new hope will be arisen for potential application of this myokine for regeneration of damaged cardiac tissues especially in cardiac failure.