Figure 5.

Post-infarct BM c-kit⁺ mERа⁺ cells population with ERα predominance and self-renewal/differentiation potentials. Gene expression of ERs, self-renewal and differentiation markers in 4 kinds of BM cells (c-kit⁺ mERа⁺ cells, c-kit⁺ mERа^- cells, c-kit^- mERа⁺ cells, and c-kit^- mERа^- cells) after 5 days culture were analyzed by real-time PCR. A. ERα and ERβ. B. GATA-4 and Sca-1 (transcription factors for cardiacdifferentiation). C. Tbx3 and ki67 (transcription factors for self-renewal and proliferation). D. Akt and Notch 1 (mediators of proliferation and survival). Expression levels were normalized to the expression of β-actin housekeeping gene. n=3; *P<0.05, **P<0.01 vs. c-kit^- mERа^- cell population.