COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING THE FUNCTIONAL EFFICACY OF STEM CELL-DERIVED CARDIOMYOCYTES

Abstract

This invention provides an isolated stem cell modified to provide, enhance or contain the functional characteristics of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) The isolated stem cells are modified by expressing a calcium channel protein, by expressing a calcium pump protein such as the sarcro/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) protein, by inhibiting or downregulating expression of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) protein, by expressing a calcium handling protein, by expressing a transverse (t)-tubule, and/or by expressing a transverse (t)-tubule biogenic protein The modified cells may be expanded to a substantially homogenous population of these cells or differentiated to a more mature cell type Compositions are also provided The cells and compositions can be administered to a host and used to regenerate cardiac tissue, improve cardiac function, restore action potential of cardiac tissue, and treat or prevent cardiac malfunction Use for diagnostic screening of therapeutic candidates is also provided