Myocardial regeneration by embryonic stem cell transplantation: present and future trends.
Embryonic stem cells are a promising source for myocardial regeneration due to their pluripotency and plasticity. In theory, embryonic stem cells are capable of self-renewal in an unlimited fashion, and can differentiate into any cell type required for cell-based therapy, including cardiac myocytes. In recent years, embryonic stem cells have been transplanted for cardiac regeneration in animal models, and the results are encouraging. However, there are still many hurdles to be overcome for the clinical application of embryonic stem cells.
Dai
Wangde
W
The Heart Institute, Good Samaritan Hospital, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine of the Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90017-2395, USA. dwangde@goodsam.org
Kloner
Robert A
RA
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology*; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000628:therapy*; D009206:Myocardium / Q000166:cytology; D032383:Myocytes, Cardiac / Q000637:transplantation*; D012038:Regeneration; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells