Transdifferentiation of Human Peripheral Blood CD34 ⁺ -Enriched Cell Population Into Cardiomyocytes, Endothelial Cells, and Smooth Muscle Cells In Vivo

Abstract

Adult peripheral blood CD34+ cells can transdifferentiate into cardiomyocytes, mature endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells in vivo. However, transdifferentiation is augmented significantly by local tissue injury. The use of peripheral blood CD34+ cells for cell-based therapy should greatly simplify the procurement of cells for the regeneration of damaged myocardium.