CARDIAC CONDUCTION SYSTEM (CCS) PROGENITOR CELLS AND USES THEREOF

摘要

The present invention provides isolated stem cells and progenitor cells, including HCN4-expressing CCS progenitor cells, HCN4- and Islet 1-expressing sinoatrial node cells or progenitor cells thereof, and Islet 1-expressing cardiovascular stem cells that do not express HCN4. The invention further provides differentiated cell types derived from the CCS progenitor cells and cardiovascular stem cells of the invention. In addition, the invention provides methods of differentiating the cells of the invention, methods for screening for agents that affect the differentiation of the cells of the invention, methods for evaluating the potential toxicity of drugs using the cells of the invention, cell therapy using the cells of the invention, and methods of treating heart arrhythmia by ablating HCN4-expressing cells.