ABSTRACT
Human cardiac progenitor cells (hCPCs) can be harvested from
human atrial specimens during routine bioptic analysis. These
cells can be purified using the MACS magnetic system by means
of the Sca-1 antibody and easily cultured in standard culture
conditions. Although the Sca-1 antigen (also known as Ly6A/E or
Ly6D) is known to be exclusively expressed in murine cells, the
use of antibodies directed against it allows for the purification of a
homogeneous population of human progenitor cells. hCPCs retain
their plasticity in culture and proliferate without the occurrence
of spontaneous events of differentiation. When implanted in the
murine heart in vivo, they can integrate in the muscle and vascular
tissue texture, thus suggesting their ability to participate in cardiac
repair. In the present chapter we describe the technique to isolate
and culture hCPCs and the possibility to use three-dimensional
scaffolds having controlled porosity and anisotropic mechanical
properties. The scaffoldswould provide physical support to the cells,
while favoring their alignment and eventually a certain degree of
precommitment. Moreover efficient oxygen supply to the core of
the constructs as well as catabolite removal will be provided. This
strategy is proposed to generate patient-specific cardiac substitutes
for future clinical application.
