Cardiovascular stem cells in regenerative medicine: ready for prime time?

Restoration of cardiovascular function is the ultimate goal of stem-cell-based therapy. In principle, cardiovascular stem cells can improve cardiac function via de novo cardiomyogenesis, enhanced myocardial neovascularization and prevention of postinfarct remodeling. Stem cell transplantation to improve cardiac function has received mixed results in human clinical trials. These early data suggest that a crucial reassessment of the scientific basis to stem-cell-based therapy is needed to bring this highly promising treatment modality to mainstream clinical care.

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