Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating heart disease as a “bridge to recovery” using cellular cardiomyoplasty. The system is particularly useful in selecting and treating patients with damaged myocardium due coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and ischemia. Based on various clinical criteria, a patient is selected and optionally treated using cellular cardiomyoplasty to improve the patient's cardiac function. The cardiomyoplasty may be combined with other treatments such as medications or left ventricular assist devices. Preferably, the cellular cardiomyoplasty eliminates the need for invasive surgery such as by-pass grafting or cardiac transplantation. The invention also provides kits for use in selecting and treating patients using the inventive method.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved systems and methods for the minimally invasive treatment of heart tissue deficiency, damage and/or loss, especially in patients suffering from disorders characterized by insufficient cardiac function, such as congestive heart failure or myocardial infarction. In certain embodiments, a cell composition comprising autologous skeletal myoblasts and, optionally, fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes and/or stem cells, is delivered to a subject's myocardium at or near the site of tissue deficiency, damage or loss, using an intravascular catheter with a deployable needle. Preferably, the cell transplantation is performed after identifying a region of the subject's myocardium in need of treatment. The inventive procedure, which can be repeated several times over time, results in improved structural and/or functional properties of the region treated, as well as in improved overall cardiac function.

Abstract: An embryonic stem cell which may be induced to differentiate homogeneously into a desired primary cell line. The embryonic stem cell may be engineered with DNA, which encodes a protein or polypeptide which promotes differentiation of the stem cell into a specific cell line, such as, for example, a neuronal cell line, a muscle cell line, or a hematopoietic cell line. The DNA may encode a transcription factor found in the particular cell line. In another alternative, a desired cell line is produced from embryonic stem cells by culturing embryonic stem cells under conditions which provide for a three-dimensional network of embryonic stem cells, and then stimulating embryonic stem cells with an agent, such as retinoic acid, or dimethylsulfoxide, which promotes differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into the desired cell line, such as, for example, a neuronal cell line, or a muscle cell line.

Abstract: An embryonic stem cell which may be induced to differentiate homogeneously into a desired primary cell line. The embryonic stem cell may be engineered with DNA, which encodes a protein or polypeptide which promotes differentiation of the stem cell into a specific cell line, such as, for example, a neuronal cell line, a muscle cell line, or a hematopoietic cell line. The DNA may encode a transcription factor found in the particular cell line. In another alternative, a desired cell line is produced from embryonic stem cells by culturing embryonic stem cells under conditions which provide for a three-dimensional network of embryonic stem cells, and then stimulating embryonic stem cells with an agent, such as retinoic acid, or dimethylsulfoxide, which promotes differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into the desired cell line, such as, for example, a neuronal cell line, or a muscle cell line.

Abstract: Novel methods of injecting agents including cells into organs, tissues, or tumors using a side release needle and, optionally, a carrier that aids in retention of the cells at the injection site, or a tissue sealant or film to seal the injection site are provided. The use of side release needles and, optionally, a carrier, sealant, or film prevents the leakage of the injected agent back out of the injection site. Agents which may be injected using the inventive method include drugs, small molecules, peptides, proteins, polynucleotides, viruses, cells, etc. Any type of cells including myoblasts may be used in the invention. The cells may be injected into any organ including the heart, brain, pancreas, liver, etc. These injection methods may find use in tissue engineering, gene therapy, and tissue/organ repair. Kits with the side release needles used in carrying out the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: An embryonic stem cell which may be induced to differentiate homogeneously into a desired primary cell line. The embryonic stem cell may be engineered with DNA, which encodes a protein or polypeptide which promotes differentiation of the stem cell into a specific cell line, such as, for example, a neuronal cell line, a muscle cell line, or a hematopoietic cell line. The DNA may encode a transcription factor found in the particular cell line. In another alternative, a desired cell line is produced from embryonic stem cells by culturing embryonic stem cells under conditions which provide for a three-dimensional network of embryonic stem cells, and then stimulating embryonic stem cells with an agent, such as retinoic acid, or dimethylsulfoxide, which promotes differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into the desired cell line, such as, for example, a neuronal cell line, or a muscle cell line.

Abstract: An embryonic stem cell which may be induced to differentiate homogeneously into a desired primary cell line. The embryonic stem cell may be engineered with DNA, which encodes a protein or polypeptide which promotes differentiation of the stem cell into a specific cell line, such as, for example, a neuronal cell line, a muscle cell line, or a hematopoietic cell line. The DNA may encode a transcription factor found in the particular cell line. In another alternative, a desired cell line is produced from embryonic stem cells by culturing embryonic stem cells under conditions which provide for a three-dimensional network of embryonic stem cells, and then stimulating embryonic stem cells with an agent, such as retinoic acid, or dimethylsulfoxide, which promotes differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into the desired cell line, such as, for example, a neuronal cell line, or a muscle cell line.