Pnmt as a novel marker for progenitor cells

Abstract

In certain aspects, the present invention provides methods and compositions relating to a Pnmt-positive progenitor cell. In certain aspects, the present invention relates to methods for isolating and transplanting the subject progenitor cells, and methods for treating diseases such as myocardiac injuries and neurodegenerative disorders.

1 . A method of treating a subject for a myocardial injury, comprising introducing Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (Pnmt)-positive cardiac progenitor cells into the subject, wherein the cardiac progenitor cells are committed to at least one cardiomyocyte specific lineage selected from the group consisting of a pacemaker cell, a His bundle (HIS) cell, a Purkinje fiber (PUR) cell, an atrial working myocyte, and a ventricular working myocyte. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cardiomyocytes form cardiac muscle tissue. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the progenitor cells are positive for a marker selected from the group consisting of c-kit and c-kit, Sca-1, and MDR1. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the progenitor cells are isolated from a cultured stem cell line. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the progenitor cells are isolated from a tissue of a developing heart or an adult heart. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the progenitor cells comprise human progenitor cells. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the progenitor cells comprise rat, mouse, or rabbit progenitor cells. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the myocardial injury is selected from the group consisting of myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy and congenital heart disease. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the progenitor cells are introduced to a damaged cardiac region. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising expanding the progenitor cells ex vivo before transferring the progenitor cells into the subject. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said progenitor cells are isogeneic, allogeneic or xenogeneic. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said progenitor cells are isogeneic. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising treating the individual with an immunosuppressive agent. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the immunosuppressive agent is selected from the group consisting of FK-506, cyclosporin, and GAD65 antibodies. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising inactivating expression of a major histocompatibility (MHC) gene in the Pnmt-positive progenitor cells prior to introducing the cells into the individual.