Therefore, our current study of identifying and partially characterizing ALDHhigh Sca-1+ progenitor cells in human fetal heart is an important first step in moving forward to address multiple questions, including differentiation studies of these cells, understanding the role of different ALDH isozymes in the function of Sca-1+ cells, and testing the therapeutic potential of ALDHhigh progenitor cells in preclinical models of cardiovascular diseases. The gene discussed is LDHA; the disease is cardiovascular disorder.