Abstract: Provided herein is a new method to isolate and expand cardiac progenitor/stem cells from a placenta, which produces a cell population enriched in multipotent functional progenitor/stem cells. Cardiac progenitor/stem cells isolated by this method maintain their self-renewal character in vitro and differentiate into normal cells in myocardium, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, after transplantation into ischemic hearts. Also provided in this application are substantially pure populations of multipotent cardiac progenitor/stem cells, and their use to treat and prevent diseases and injuries, including those resulting from myocardial infarction. A model for assessing the potential of cardiac stem cells for treatment of myocardial infarction is also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions and methods for promoting cardiomyocyte cytokinesis and cardiomyocyte proliferation and for use in cardiac regenerative therapy. Embodiments of the disclosure are particularly useful for promoting cytokinesis in adult cardiomyocytes. In embodiments, the disclosure relates to the expression of human cyclin A2 (CCNA2) under the control of a cardiac Troponin T (cTNT) promoter to promote cytokinesis of adult human cardiomyocytes.

Abstract: Provided herein is a new method to isolate and expand cardiac progenitor/stem cells from a placenta, which produces a cell population enriched in multipotent functional progenitor/stem cells. Cardiac progenitor/stem cells isolated by this method maintain their self-renewal character in vitro and differentiate into normal cells in myocardium, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, after transplantation into ischemic hearts. Also provided in this application are substantially pure populations of multipotent cardiac progenitor/stem cells, and their use to treat and prevent diseases and injuries, including those resulting from myocardial infarction. A model for assessing the potential of cardiac stem cells for treatment of myocardial infarction is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a new method to isolate and expand cardiac progenitor/stem cells from a placenta, which produces a cell population enriched in multipotent functional progenitor/stem cells. Cardiac progenitor/stem cells isolated by this method maintain their self-renewal character in vitro and differentiate into normal cells in myocardium, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, after transplantation into ischemic hearts. Also provided in this application are substantially pure populations of multipotent cardiac progenitor/stem cells, and their use to treat and prevent diseases and injuries, including those resulting from myocardial infarction. A model for assessing the potential of cardiac stem cells for treatment of myocardial infarction is also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a new method to isolate and expand cardiac progenitor/stem cells from a placenta, which produces a cell population enriched in multipotent functional progenitor/stem cells. Cardiac progenitor/stem cells isolated by this method maintain their self-renewal character in vitro and differentiate into normal cells in myocardium, including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells, after transplantation into ischemic hearts. Also provided in this application are substantially pure populations of multipotent cardiac progenitor/stem cells, and their use to treat and prevent diseases and injuries, including those resulting from myocardial infarction. A model for assessing the potential of cardiac stem cells for treatment of myocardial infarction is also provided.

Abstract: It has been discovered that side-population cells induce cardiac tissue repair of infarcted myocardium. Provided herein are methods directed to treatment of cardiac injury using side-population cells.

Abstract: It has been discovered that side-population cells induce cardiac tissue repair of infarcted myocardium. Provided herein are methods directed to treatment of cardiac injury using side-population cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for promoting generation of heart tissue, and for treating and preventing heart tissue degeneration. Additionally, the present invention provides a therapeutic composition comprising a cyclin-associated agent, and a kit comprising the composition. The present invention further provides a heart tissue cell, a sidepopulation progenitor cell, and a stem cell in which cyclin is augmented. Also provided are cell lines comprising these cells, screening methods using the cell lines, and drugs identified by these methods. The present invention further provides in vitro systems for use in screening candidate drugs for at least one cardiotoxic effect and/or for synergy with cyclin in the treatment and prevention of heart tissue degeneration. Finally, the present invention provides use of a cyclin-associated agent in the generation of heart tissue, and use of a cyclin associated agent in the treatment or prevention of heart tissue degeneration.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful for cardiac therapy comprising a cyclin-associated agent. The present invention also provides kits for use in delivering a cyclin-associated agent to cardiac cells in a subject, comprising the composition of the present invention and a catheter. The present invention additionally provides a methods for enhancing cardiac function; promoting regeneration of cardiac tissue; inducing endogenous myocardial regeneration; and preventing or treating heart failure in a subject in need thereof by augmenting cyclin in cells.