Abstract: A method to induce ES cells to the cardiac phenotype is disclosed whereby avian precardiac endoderm used as feeder/inducer cells induce high percentage conversion of mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells into cardiac myocytes. Upon induction, the majority (˜65%) of co-cultured ES cell-derived embryoid bodies (EBs) become enriched in cardiac myocytes and exhibit rhythmic contractions. When precardiac mesoderm is included with the precardiac endoderm, ˜100% of EBs become rhythmically contractile. The inductive effect of the precardiac endoderm/mesoderm is mimicked by medium conditioned by these cells. Within each EB induced by medium conditioned by precardiac endoderm/mesoderm, over 80% of the cells become cardiac myocytes.

Abstract: A method for treating or preventing cardiac hypertrophy in a mammal, comprising manipulating levels of RBP, retinoids, or an affiliated signaling and regulatory pathway in the mammal. Preferably, the method comprises reducing or inhibiting the level of RBP or retinoids or their signaling pathway, or an affiliated signaling pathway, via a dietary, genetic, protein-based, or pharmacologic approach, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical composition suitable for the method.

Abstract: A composition comprising a purified mixture of a bone morphogenetic protein and a fibroblast growth factor is disclosed. In another embodiment, the present invention is a method of inducing cardiogenesis in cells of a non-cardiac lineage comprising the steps of exposing cells to the composition and observing the development of cardiac cells.