A process using human stem cells can generate the cells that cover the external surface of a human heart -- epicardium cells -- according to a multidisciplinary team of researchers.

The formation of the heart depends on critical signals exchanged between its two main layers: the myocardium (the muscle that powers the heartbeat) and the endocardium (the inner lining of the heart).

While the recovery of functional myocardium is critical in heart failure, the regeneration and physiological integration of other cell types are also essential to restoring full cardiac functionality.