Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cDNA, protein sequence, and genomic structure of the human cardiac isoform of myosin light chain kinase (cMLCK), and describes mutations in the cMLCK gene that are associated with cardiac dysfunction. Methods are provided for identifying individuals who can harbor mutations in the cMLCK gene, or carry alleles that can predisposed them to cardiac dysfunction. Disclosed also is a significant role for cMLCK in modulating cardiac contractility. The cMLCK protein is shown herein to reduce the amplitude of stretch activation and increase the tension production, a property of muscle which has heretofore had an unknown role in cardiac contraction. Moreover, the cMLCK protein is shown to be regionally distributed in the heart, thereby having differential effects on contractility and stretch activation. Methods herein are provided to exploit this effect of cMLCK, to treat individuals who have or are prone to cardiac dysfunction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel isolated population of stem cells, called spoc cells, that can be induced, either in vivo or in vitro, to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Methods are disclosed herein to differentiate the spoc cells, and to utilize these spoc cells for screening agents that affect cardiomyocytes. Methods are also provided herein to utilize spoc cells in therapeutic applications for the treatment of myocardial defects, such as areas of ischemic or traumatic damage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel isolated population of stem cells, called spoc cells, that can be induced, either in vivo or in vitro, to differentiate into cardiomyocytes. Methods are disclosed herein to differentiate the spoc cells, and to utilize these spoc cells for screening agents that affect cardiomyocytes. Methods are also provided herein to utilize spoc cells in therapeutic applications for the treatment of myocardial defects, such as areas of ischemic or traumatic damage.