METHODS FOR PRODUCTION OF ATRIAL PROGENITORS AND THEIR DIFFERENTIATION INTO SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS AND CARDIOMYOCYTES

摘要

The present invention generally relates to methods to identify and isolate atrial progenitors, and in some embodiments to the atrial progenitors are positive for both Islet 1 (Isl1) and sarcolipin (SLN). One aspect of the present invention relates to methods to differentiate progenitors into Isl1+/SLN+ atrial progenitors. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods to differentiate Isl1+/SLN+ atrial progenitors to smooth muscle and cardiomyocyte phenotypes. A further aspect of the invention relates to reprogramming postnatal and mature atrial myocytes to atrial progenitors positive for Isl1+/SLN+, and the subsequent differentiation of Isl1+/SLN+ atrial progenitors to smooth muscle and cardiomyocyte phenotypes. Another aspect of the invention relates to a composition comprising an isolated population of Islet1+, SLN+ atrial progenitor cells, and uses thereof.