Resident cardiac progenitor cells

Abstract

Resident cardiac stem/progenitor cells are implicated in cell replacement, repair and maintenance of the myocardium. These cells are already committed to a specific cardiomyogenic pathway. Stimulation of these cells in injured hearts can open new options in cardiovascular regenerative medicine, and advance our approach to patients with end-stage heart failure. This chapter reviews some of the recent discoveries in the field of resident cardiac stem/progenitor cells, focusing first on human cardiac stem cell characteristics and reparative potential, including the concept of myocardial regeneration. In addition, we will briefly review recent clinical trials, controversies and unresolved issues.