Abstract: A cluster is provided comprising cardiomyocyte-like cells, wherein the cluster has i) contracting cells, ii) cells that are electrically connected, and expresses iii) cardiac markers including Nkx.2.5, troponin and myosin, iv) markers for functional adrenergic receptors, v) markers for functional muscarinic receptors, vi) markers for functional ion-channels including hERG, Na+, Ca2+ and K+ channels, vii) one or more endodermal markers selected from the group consisting of AFP, TF, APOA2, AHSG, SERPINA1, APOA1, APOC3, TTR1 APOB, and RBP4. A method for preparing the clusters and methods utilizing the clusters in drug discovery and toxicity screenings are described.

Abstract: A novel population of multipotent cardiac precursor (MCP) cells derived from human blastocysts derived stem cells is disclosed, methods for the preparation thereof and use of the cells for in vitro testing. Basement cells derived from hBS cells are also disclosed and method for the preparation of MCP cells from basement cells. The MCP cells have the following characteristics i) at least 1% of the cells exhibit no antigen expression of one or more markers for undifferentiated cell, the marker being selected from the group consisting of SSEA-3, SSEA-4, TRA-1-60, TRA-1-81 and Oct-4, ii) at least 1% of the cells exhibit no protein expression of one or more of a neural marker including nestin or GFAP iii) at least 1% of the cells exhibit protein and/or gene expression of one or more of a mesodermal marker including brachyury, vimentin or desmin iv) at least 1% of the cells exhibit protein and/or gene expression of Flk-1 (KDR). Furthermore, the MCP cells have a characteristic morphology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for obtaining endodermal progenitor cells and further differentiating these to hepatocyte-like cells. Knowledge about the cell composition prior to the initiation of terminal differentiation is used to select one of two different protocols and one of two type of intermediate progenitors depending on the purpose for which the resulting hepatocyte-like cells are needed. Protocol A of the present invention relates to differentiation of extraembryonic-resembling endodermal progenitor cells to hepatocyte-like cells and may be selected when yield and purity of the obtained hepatocyte-like cells is important. Protocol B of the present invention relates to differentiation of mesendodermal-resembling progenitor cells to hepatocyte-like cells and may be selected when quality of the obtained hepatocyte-like cells is important.