A method for generating an isolated population of human KDR + NCAM + APLNR + mesoderm cells from human pluripotent stem cells, the method comprising: (a) inducing pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to undergo mesodermal differentiation, wherein the inducing step is carried out in the absence of co-cultured supportive cells, and further comprises: i) culturing the pluripotent stem cells for about 24 hours in a mesoderm differentiation medium comprising Activin A, BMP-4, VEGF, and FGF-2; ii) replacing the medium of step i) with a mesoderm differentiation medium comprising BMP-4, VEGF, and FGF-2 about every 24-48 hours thereafter for about 72 hours; and comprising contacting the cells undergoing mesodermal induction with one or more of a miRNA inhibitor(s) selected from the group consisting of miR-221-3p, miR-1271-5p, miR-559, miR-543, miR-361-3p, miR-30d-5p, miR-124-3p and miR-185-5p, and/or one or more of a miRNA mimic selected from the group consisting of miR-330-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-214, and miR-497-5p; and (b) isolating from the cells induced to undergo differentiation the mesoderm cells, wherein the isolation of mesoderm cells comprises: iii) sorting the mesoderm cells to select for KDR + NCAM + APLNR + cells. (a) inducing pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) to undergo mesodermal differentiation, wherein the inducing step is carried out in the absence of co-cultured supportive cells, and further comprises: i) culturing the pluripotent stem cells for about 24 hours in a mesoderm differentiation medium comprising Activin A, BMP-4, VEGF, and FGF-2; ii) replacing the medium of step i) with a mesoderm differentiation medium comprising BMP-4, VEGF, and FGF-2 about every 24-48 hours thereafter for about 72 hours; and comprising contacting the cells undergoing mesodermal induction with one or more of a miRNA inhibitor(s) selected from the group consisting of miR-221-3p, miR-1271-5p, miR-559, miR-543, miR-361-3p, miR-30d-5p, miR-124-3p and miR-185-5p, and/or one or more of a miRNA mimic selected from the group consisting of miR-330-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-214, and miR-497-5p; and wherein the inducing step is carried out in the absence of co-cultured supportive cells, and further comprises: i) culturing the pluripotent stem cells for about 24 hours in a mesoderm differentiation medium comprising Activin A, BMP-4, VEGF, and FGF-2; ii) replacing the medium of step i) with a mesoderm differentiation medium comprising BMP-4, VEGF, and FGF-2 about every 24-48 hours thereafter for about 72 hours; i) culturing the pluripotent stem cells for about 24 hours in a mesoderm differentiation medium comprising Activin A, BMP-4, VEGF, and FGF-2; ii) replacing the medium of step i) with a mesoderm differentiation medium comprising BMP-4, VEGF, and FGF-2 about every 24-48 hours thereafter for about 72 hours; and comprising contacting the cells undergoing mesodermal induction with one or more of a miRNA inhibitor(s) selected from the group consisting of miR-221-3p, miR-1271-5p, miR-559, miR-543, miR-361-3p, miR-30d-5p, miR-124-3p and miR-185-5p, and/or one or more of a miRNA mimic selected from the group consisting of miR-330-5p, miR-145-5p, miR-214, and miR-497-5p; and (b) isolating from the cells induced to undergo differentiation the mesoderm cells, wherein the isolation of mesoderm cells comprises: iii) sorting the mesoderm cells to select for KDR + NCAM + APLNR + cells.