Whether or not endogenous c-kit+cells residing within the heart contribute cardiomyocytes during physiological ageing or after injury remains unknown; here, using an inducible lineage tracing system, the c-kit+lineage is shown to generate cardiomyocytes at very low levels, and, by contrast, contributes substantially to cardiac endothelial cell generation.
- Jop H. van Berlo
- Onur Kanisicak
- Jeffery D. Molkentin
