ECM proteins regulate microRNA-mediated direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes via YAP signaling

These findings demonstrate that ECM biochemical cues are key regulators of direct cardiac reprogramming. Laminin- and biomatrix-enriched microenvironments enhance miRcombo-mediated iCM induction efficiency <i>in vitro</i>, potentially by modulating YAP signaling and balancing proliferation versus transdifferentiation. This study highlights the importance of recapitulating native cardiac microenvironmental signals to improve the efficacy of direct cardiac reprogramming strategies.