The reprogramming of somatic cells to a spontaneously contracting cardiomyocyte-like state using defined transcription factors has proven successful in mouse fibroblasts. However, this process has been less successful in human cells, thus limiting the potential clinical applicability of this technology in regenerative medicine. We hypothesized that this issue is due...
Preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of infant morbidity worldwide. Approximately 380,000 babies are born prematurely in the USA every year. Estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) play essential roles during pregnancy and labor; a clear understanding of their action mechanisms, however, is lacking. E2 and P4 function by activating...