Adaptation Within Embryonic and Neonatal Heart Environment Reveals Alternative Fates for Adult c-Kit⁺Cardiac Interstitial Cells

Abstract

2 Cardiac interstitial cells (CIC) perform essential roles in myocardial biology through 3 preservation of homeostasis as well as response to injury or stress. Studies of murine 4 CIC biology reveal remarkable plasticity in terms of transcriptional reprogramming and 5 ploidy state with important implications for function. Despite over a decade of 6 characterization and in vivo utilization of adult c-Kit + CIC (cCIC), adaptability and 7 functional responses upon delivery to adult mammalian hearts remain poorly understood. 8 Limitations of characterizing cCIC biology following in vitro expansion and adoptive 9 transfer into the adult heart were circumvented by delivery of the donated cells into early 10 cardiogenic environments of embryonic, fetal, and early postnatal developing hearts.11