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Review
. 2020 Jan 2;26(1):7-16.
doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.12.004.

Toward the Goal of Human Heart Regeneration

Hesham Sadek  1 , Eric N Olson  2
Affiliations
Review

Toward the Goal of Human Heart Regeneration

Hesham Sadek et al. Cell Stem Cell. .

Abstract

Heart regeneration, a relatively new field of biology, is one of the most active and controversial areas of biomedical research. The potential impact of successful human heart regeneration therapeutics cannot be overstated, given the magnitude and prognosis of heart failure. However, the regenerative process is highly complex, and premature claims of successful heart regeneration have both fueled interest and created controversy. The field as a whole is now in the process of course correction, and a clearer picture is beginning to emerge. Despite the challenges, fundamental principles in developmental biology have provided a framework for hypothesis-driven approaches toward the ultimate goal of adult heart regeneration and repair. In this review, we discuss the current state of the field and outline the potential paths forward toward regenerating the human myocardium.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Strategies for Myocardial Regeneration
Schematic of the most promising cardiomyocyte regeneration strategies, which include induction of cardiomyocyte proliferation, the use of pluripotent-stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes, and direct reprogramming.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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