N-CADHERIN+/CD168− subpopulation determines therapeutic variations of UC-MSCs for cardiac repair after myocardial infarction

• UC-MSCs from different donors exhibit variable therapeutic efficacy in MI, correlating with their pro-angiogenic potential. • scRNA-seq identifies a specific N-CADHERIN+/CD168− subpopulation as the functional subset driving cardiac repair. • The ratio of N-CADHERIN+/CD168− cells positively correlates with angiogenic capacity, offering a screening criterion. • This subpopulation secretes key angiogenic factors (MYDGF, VEGFA, FGF2), providing a mechanistic basis for improved MSC therapy.