Figure 3: Rapid conversion of Flk1⁺ MPCs into PCBs by CsAYTE.

(A) Protocol for analyses of PCB generation from Flk1⁺ MPCs. (B and C) Representative FACS analyses and quantifications of differentiating Flk1⁻/PDGFRα⁺ PCBs derived from Flk1⁺ MPCs incubated with CsAYTE at every 12 h from day 4.5 for 5 days. Each group, n = 3–5. **p < 0.01 versus day 4.5; ^#p < 0.05 and ^##p < 0.01 versus day 5.0. (D–F) Flk1⁺ MPCs were divided into Flk1⁺/PDGFRα⁺ (F+P+) and Flk1⁺/PDGFRα⁻ (F+P−) MPCs, incubated with Control and CsAYTE, analyzed for populations and densities of Flk1⁻/PDGFRα⁺ (F−P+) PCBs at every 12 h from day 4.5 for 2 days, and percentages of cTnT⁺ cardiomyocytes were assessed at day 10.5. Each group, n = 5. *p < 0.05 and **p < 0.01 versus F+P+MPCs, Control at each time point; ^#p < 0.05 and ^##p < 0.01 versus F+P− MPCs, CsAYTE at each time point. (G) Schematic diagram depicting how CsAYTE selectively promotes the commitment and differentiation of Flk1⁺ MPCs into PCBs, while it simultaneously and robustly expands number of PCBs.