Generation of multipotent induced cardiac progenitor cells from mouse fibroblasts and potency testing in ex vivo mouse embryos

Expandable and multipotent induced cardiac progenitor cells (iCPCs) are generated from mouse adult fibroblasts using forced expression of Mesp1, Tbx5, Gata4, Nkx2.5 and Baf60c and activation of the Wnt and JAK/STAT signaling pathway. Furthermore, embryonic potency of iCPCs is tested ex vivo.