Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Precision Ultrasound-guided Stem Cell Delivery for Vascular Repair in Aortic Diseases
Published on: June 20, 2025
SDF-1alpha-mediated tissue repair by stem cells: a promising tool in cardiovascular medicine?
Andreas Schober1, Ela Karshovska, Alma Zernecke
1Division of Cardiology, Medizinische Poliklinik-Innenstadt, University of Munich, Germany.
Abstract:
Circulating smooth muscle progenitor cells have been identified as a source for neointimal smooth muscle cells after various types of injuries to the vessel wall contributing to neointimal hyperplasia, implying a fundamental role of these progenitor cells in the vascular response to injury. Recent studies have provided insight into the molecular mechanisms of mobilization and local recruitment of smooth muscle progenitor cells. The CXC chemokine SDF-1alpha and its receptor CXCR4 have been identified as the central signaling axis regulating the homing of smooth muscle progenitor cells into the injured vessel wall. This review discusses the unique biologic functions of this chemokine and its contribution to stem-cell-based vascular repair and disease.
Related Concept Videos
Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell types that...
Stem Cell Culture
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Tissue Renewal without Stem Cells
However, failure of such a system...
iPS Cell Differentiation

