Epicardium-derived cardiac mesenchymal stem cells: expanding the outer limit of heart repair.

Singh, Manvendra K; Epstein, Jonathan A · Circ Res · 2012

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The epicardium is derived from the proepicardial organ, a source of multipotent progenitor cells. Epicardium contribution to the developing coronary vasculature and to cardiac interstitial cells has been established. Studies over the past several years have suggested that epicardium-derived cells can adopt cardiomyocyte and vascular smooth muscle fates and can contribute to cardiac repair when activated by injury<sup>, </sup>. Recently, Chong et al have provided a detailed characterization of a population of epicardial–derived multipotent cardiac-progenitor cells (cardiac CFU-Fs). These cells, which do not arise from the bone marrow, neural crest or myocardium, resemble mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and may participate in cardiac development, homeostasis and repair.