Endothelial progenitor cell culture and gene transfer

Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are present in the systemic circulation, are augmented in response to certain cytokines and/or tissue ischemia, and home to as well as incorporate into sites of neovascularization. The EPC cell culture is extremely important for biological research of EPCs. The established culture system allows the selection of progenitor cells. This chapter addresses basic technique for the use of essential major items of EPC culture equipment and materials, such as ex vivo expansion and gene transfer. We discuss methodologies available for analysis of EPC cell therapy and gene-modified EPC therapy.