Resident cardiac stem/progenitor cells for cardiac regeneration

Heart failure remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world. Current treatments largely antagonize systemic neurohormonal responses to the failing heart, but do not address the fundamental impairment of cardiac function. Cardiac transplantation has been used as a treatment for end stage heart failure, though the shortage of donor hearts and issues with immune rejection limit the use of such treatment option. Recent findings have demonstrated the existence of endogenous cardiac stem/progenitor cells, and thereby suggest a capacity for self-renewal in adult hearts. This discovery has not only redefined cardiac biology, but also raises the possibility of functionally regenerating damaged myocardium. Herein, we provide a short overview of the recent developments in cardiovascular regeneration with the emphasis on cardiac stem/progenitor cells.

Section editor:Jay Edelberg – Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Pennington, NJ 08534, USA