USE OF JAGGED 1 / FRIZZLED 4 AS CELL SURFACE MARKERS TO ISOLATE HUMAN CARDIAC VENTRICULAR PROGENITOR CELLS

Abstract

This invention relates to jagged 1 and frizzled 4 as cell surface markers for isolating human cardiomyogenic ventricular progenitor cells, particularly progenitor cells that preferentially differentiate into cardiac ventricular muscle cells. Therefore, the invention relates to human ventricular progenitor cells (hvp), and methods for the in vitro separation of islet 1+ / jagged 1+ ventricular progenitor cells and / or islet 1+ / frizzled 4+ ventricular progenitor cells, and their large-scale expansion and propagation. Large clonal populations of isolated jagged 1+ and / or frizzled 4+ ventricular progenitor cells are also described.The invention also relates to methods for the in vivo use of jagged 1+ and / or frizzled 4+ ventricular progenitor cells for cardiac repair or for improving cardiac function. Methods for using jagged 1+ and / or frizzled 4+ ventricular progenitor cells for cardiac toxicity screening of test compounds are also described.