Stem Cells Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stem Cells, including details on research, transplants, therapy, benefits.

Regeneration gaps: observations on stem cells and cardiac repair.

Murry CE, Reinecke H, Pabon LM

Center for Cardiovascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA. murry@u.washington.edu

Substantial evidence indicates that cell transplantation can improve function of the infarcted heart. A surprisingly wide range of non-myogenic cell types improves ventricular function, suggesting that benefit may result in part from mechanisms that are distinct from true myocardial regeneration. While clinical trials explore cells derived from skeletal muscle and bone marrow, basic researchers are investigating sources of new cardiomyocytes, such as resident myocardial progenitors and embryonic stem cells. In this commentary, we briefly review the evolution of cell-based cardiac repair, discuss the current state of clinical research, and offer some thoughts on how newcomers can critically evaluate this emerging field.

Published 9 May 2006 in J Am Coll Cardiol, 47(9): 1777-85.
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