Methods for the induction of a cell to enter the islet 1+ lineage and a method for the expansion thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods for the induction and a cell to enter the Islet 1+ (Isl1+) lineage and methods for expansion of cells of islet 1+ lineage. One aspect of the present invention relates to methods to induce a cell to enter the islet 1+ lineage, and more particularly to a method to induce a cell to enter a the Isl1+ lineage to become an Isl1+ progenitor that is capable of differentiating along multiple different lineages such as a endothelial lineage, a smooth muscle lineage or a cardiac lineage. In particular, one embodiment present invention relates to methods to induce a cell to enter the Isl1+ lineage by inhibiting a wnt signalling pathway in the cell. Another aspect of the present invention relates to methods to expand a cell of the Isl1+ lineage, such as a Isl1+ progenitor by activating a wnt signalling pathway in the Isl1+ progenitor. Another aspect of the present invention relates to use of cells of the isl1+ lineage in subjects for therapeutic and preventative treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.