Perspective Chapter: In Vitro Contracting Cardiomyogenic Models from Whole Fish Embryos and Larvae – Method, Properties, and Applications

Abstract

Heart diseases remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The development of effective treatments and interventions relies on a deep understanding of cardiac biology. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and animal models fall short in replicating crucial physiological and pathological features of cardiac tissue. In response, 3D cardiac models have emerged, offering a more faithful replication of the native heart tissue’s architecture and functionality in a controlled environment. Although technical hurdles limit the widespread adoption of in vitro 3D models, they hold promise for advancing cardiovascular research. This chapter provides a description of the development of 3D spontaneously contracting cardiac primary cultures derived from fish embryos and larvae, presenting an easily accessible model for diverse applications, including the investigation of viral heart infections, as well as biomedical, pharmacological, and cardiology research. In this chapter, we will highlight the importance of in vitro model systems for modern cardiac research. Additionally, we will provide an overview of the protocol and results concerning the creation of in vitro 3D heart-like cell aggregates using enzymatically digested whole fish embryos/larvae. These aggregates exhibit long-term stability and spontaneous contractions, making them promising candidates for high-throughput screening