eLife (Dec 2019)

Development, calibration, and validation of a novel human ventricular myocyte model in health, disease, and drug block

  • Jakub Tomek,
  • Alfonso Bueno-Orovio,
  • Elisa Passini,
  • Xin Zhou,
  • Ana Minchole,
  • Oliver Britton,
  • Chiara Bartolucci,
  • Stefano Severi,
  • Alvin Shrier,
  • Laszlo Virag,
  • Andras Varro,
  • Blanca Rodriguez

DOI
https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.48890
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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Human-based modelling and simulations are becoming ubiquitous in biomedical science due to their ability to augment experimental and clinical investigations. Cardiac electrophysiology is one of the most advanced areas, with cardiac modelling and simulation being considered for virtual testing of pharmacological therapies and medical devices. Current models present inconsistencies with experimental data, which limit further progress. In this study, we present the design, development, calibration and independent validation of a human-based ventricular model (ToR-ORd) for simulations of electrophysiology and excitation-contraction coupling, from ionic to whole-organ dynamics, including the electrocardiogram. Validation based on substantial multiscale simulations supports the credibility of the ToR-ORd model under healthy and key disease conditions, as well as drug blockade. In addition, the process uncovers new theoretical insights into the biophysical properties of the L-type calcium current, which are critical for sodium and calcium dynamics. These insights enable the reformulation of L-type calcium current, as well as replacement of the hERG current model.

Keywords