Abstract 20107: An Injectable CCN1-Collagen Matrix for Cardiac Cell Support and Improving Left Ventricular Function Post Myocardial Infarction

Background: Biomaterials have emerged as a promising approach to treat myocardial infarction (MI). Here we investigated a collagen matrix loaded with the pro-angiogenic, anti-fibrotic matricellular protein CCN1. We hypothesized that a CCN1-matrix can positively regulate the function of different cardiac cells and that it would limit adverse cardiac remodeling and dysfunction in a mouse MI model. Methods: In vitro experiments examined the function of heart-derived fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes and bone marrow macrophages when cultured on the CCN1-matrix. In vivo, MI was induced in mice and at 1wk post-MI, mice received intramyocardial injections of: 1) PBS; 2) matrix; or 3) CCN1-matrix. Heart function was assessed by echocardiography and tissues were analyzed by histology. Results: In vitro studies revealed that CCN1-matrix was able to reduce fibroblast proliferation by 29% (p=0.02), and TGF-β mediated induction of the myofibroblast marker α-SMA by 42.1% (p=0.014), compared to matrix culture. Furthermore, CC...