Dynamic BMP10 Release Reflects Atrial Fibrillation Burden in Human Atrial Engineered Heart Tissue

  1. L. von Hacht
  2. T. Meier
  3. J. Ridder
  4. J. Schrapers
  5. A.K. Afflerbach
  6. M.N. Hirt
  7. A. Hansen
  8. P. Kirchhof
  9. T. Eschenhagen
  10. J. Stenzig
  11. L. Fabritz
  12. L.C. Sommerfeld
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Abstract

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) burden is increasingly recognized as a determinant of clinical risk. Currently, AF burden can only be estimated using long-term rhythm monitoring. Bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) is a protein secreted from cardiac atria associated with AF and AF-related complications. This study evaluated whether BMP10 concentrations are associated with AF burden in a human atrial model: atrial engineered heart tissue (aEHT).

Methods

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived atrial cardiomyocytes were cast into atrial engineered heart tissues (aEHTs). To mimic AF burden, mature aEHTs were optogenetically-paced at a high rate of 4 Hz, either intermittently for 4 hours every 2 days (∼10% burden) or continuously for 24 hours per day (100% burden). After 18 days of high-rate pacing intervention, 7 days of recovery without pacing followed. BMP10 release was quantified by ELISA and contractile function was assessed by video analysis. EHT transcriptional remodeling in response to mimicked AF burden was assessed by RNA sequencing and the effect of recovery was analyzed by qPCR.

Results

High-rate optogenetic pacing mimicking AF lead to a dynamic, burden-dependent BMP10 release: BMP10 concentrations in the medium were increased by intermittent optogenetic pacing (∼10% burden) and highest under continuous optogenetic pacing (100% burden). BMP10 release declined toward control levels during recovery. Contractile dysfunction was most impaired after continuous pacing and showed only partial recovery within 1 days after pacing cessation. RNA sequencing revealed distinct burden-dependent transcriptional states. Pacing-regulated transcripts were related to BMP/TGFβ signaling, atrial identity, calcium handling, contractile phenotype, and electrophysiological remodeling. After recovery, BMP10 mRNA expression remained elevated despite normalization of BMP10 protein release.

Conclusions

AF burden dynamically regulates BMP10 release and functional and molecular remodeling in human aEHTs. BMP10 release depicts a secreted protein-based readout of current or recent atrial high-rate stress, whereas persistent transcriptional changes indicate molecular memory of prior AF burden. These findings support BMP10 release as a burden-sensitive AF biomarker.

Graphical Abstract

Clinical Perspective

  • The secreted bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) is an emerging blood biomarker associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and its complications.

  • Continuous atrial high-rate pacing leads to BMP10 release in atrial engineered heart tissues (aEHTs).

  • BMP10 release and BMP10 mRNA expression mirrors varying AF burden in aEHT and even ∼10% burden leads to significantly increased BMP10 mRNA expression and protein release.

  • After returning to normal rate, BMP10 release decreases to baseline within 7 days, while BMP10 mRNA expression shows a delayed response.

  • BMP10 may qualify as an AF burden-sensitive, circulating biomarker for AF and burden-associated outcome prediction.

Article activity feed

  1. Version published to 10.64898/2026.08.20.746063 on bioRxiv