Spheroid three-dimensional culture enhances notch signaling in cardiac progenitor cells

Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) are a promising candidate for cardiac regeneration, and the interaction between CPCs and their microenvironment can influence their regenerative response. Notch signaling plays a key role in cell fate decisions in the developing and adult heart. Here, we investigated the effect of three-dimensional (3D) spheroid culture, as a model of the 3D microenvironment, on Notch in fetal and adult human CPCs, under room air (20%) and physiological (5%) oxygen tension. Notch signaling is enhanced in 3D spheroids; spheroid culture under 5% O-2 further increases Notch signaling enhancement, and might ultimately improve the regenerative potential of CPCs.