Figure 2. 3D culture environment enhances miR combo mediated reprogramming at the protein level.

Neonatal cardiac fibroblasts were transfected with negative control miR (negmiR) or miR combo. Two days after transfection cells were re-plated either in regular culture dishes (2D) or encapsulated in a 3D hydrogel (3D). Cells were cultured for a further 14 days. Cells were immunostained with antibodies for Cardiac troponin-T or α-Sarcomeric actinin. (A) Representative Cardiac troponin-T images with quantification provided in (B). (C) Representative α-Sarcomeric actinin images with quantification provided in (D). Comparisons made between respective 2D and 3D groups. **P < 0.001, *P < 0.01. N = 4 independent transfections. For each independent transfection two 3D bundles were stained. Scale bar 100 microns.