Johns Hopkins University researchers have found the first evidence that genetically engineered heart cells derived from human embryonic stem cells might one day turn out to be a promising biological alternative to electronic pacemakers used by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

Human embryonic stem cells were genetically engineered by the researchers to make a green protein, grown in the lab and then encouraged to become heart cells. They then selected clusters of the cells that beat on their own accord, indicating the presence of pacemaking cells.

These clusters when implanted into hearts of guinea pigs, triggered regular beating of the heart itself.

These implanted cells also responded appropriately to drugs used to slow or speed the heart rate, which electronic pacemakers can't do.

But many challenges remain before this technique could be used for patients.

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