Dynamic Imaging of Embryonic Stem Cell Homing to Acute Myocardial Infarct

Project Description Narrative:

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Wisconsin and the nation. While the intrinsic regenerative capacity of the heart is limited, growing evidence indicates that stem cell transplantation as a therapeutic option holds promise in cardiac repair. The objective of this project is to characterize the dynamic uptake and distribution of systemically administered ES cells to the site of acute MI, using non-invasive imaging as a novel technological approach. The non-invasive nature of the approach will enable long-term investigation of therapeutic efficacy in the same experimental subject, with translational potential for clinical applications. The focus of this work meets a distinct, pertinent need in cardiovascular research.