Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
09:06
Quantitative Analysis of Cellular Composition in Advanced Atherosclerotic Lesions of Smooth Muscle Cell Lineage-Tracing Mice
Published on: February 20, 2019
Stem cells, vascular smooth muscle cells and atherosclerosis
1Department of Cardiac and Vascular Sciences, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK.
Histology and Histopathology
|June 10, 2006
Summary
Stem cells can become vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), influencing atherosclerosis. This review updates research on stem/progenitor cell roles in the disease process.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Stem Cell Research
- Atherosclerosis Pathogenesis
Background:
- Stem cells differentiate into various cell types, including vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs).
- SMC origins are diverse, with adult SMCs altering in response to atherosclerosis risk factors.
- Recent findings challenge traditional views, suggesting stem cells and progenitors contribute to atherosclerotic lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in stem cell and SMC research concerning atherosclerosis.
- To discuss potential mechanisms of stem/progenitor cell differentiation in disease development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of stem cell differentiation and SMC biology.
- Analysis of current research on stem/progenitor cell contributions to atherosclerosis.
Main Results:
- Accumulating evidence shows mechanical forces and cytokines influence stem cell differentiation into SMCs.
- Stem cells and smooth muscle progenitors are implicated in atherosclerotic lesion development.
- The origin of circulating vascular progenitor cells remains an active area of investigation.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell differentiation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and origins of stem/progenitor cells in vascular disease.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their access...
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits. Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...
01:16Vascular Spasm
The vascular phase, also known as vasospasm, is the initial stage of hemostasis, crucial for preventing excessive bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. After a vessel is cut, nerves in the damaged area trigger pain and other sensory impulses. Simultaneously, the smooth muscles in the vessel wall contract, resulting in a vascular spasm. This contraction reduces the vessel's diameter at the injury site, slowing or stopping blood loss through the vessel wall. Vascular spasms typically last for...
01:19Multipotency of Hematopoietic Stem Cells
The hematopoietic stem cells or HSCs are multipotent, meaning they can differentiate and give rise to all blood and immune cells. HSCs are maintained in the quiescent stage until an external stimulus initiates their differentiation. The multipotent HSCs exist as two heterogeneous populations, long-term repopulating cells (LTRC) and short-term repopulating cells (STRC). The two HSC populations have different surface markers or receptors and are classified based on quiescence and long-term...