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Involvement of marrow-derived endothelial cells in vascularization
1Laboratoire de Médecine Expérimentale, INSERM U36, Collège de France, 11 Place Marcelin Berthelot, 75005 Paris, France.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|June 8, 2007
Summary
The origin and role of endothelial progenitor cells in forming new blood vessels remain debated. Research explores their embryonic and adult sources, potential links to hematopoietic stem cells, and therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Neovasculature formation was traditionally attributed to angiogenesis.
- Recent evidence suggests postnatal neovascularization also involves vasculogenesis via endothelial progenitor cells.
- The precise nature and in vivo contribution of these progenitor cells are controversial due to a lack of definitive markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the embryonic and adult origins of endothelial progenitor cells.
- To explore the relationship between endothelial progenitor cells and primitive hematopoietic stem cells.
- To review the potential significance and current scientific consensus on endothelial progenitor cells in postnatal vascularization.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on endothelial progenitor cells.
- Analysis of studies investigating cell incorporation into adult vasculature.
- Discussion of evidence for and against progenitor cell contribution to neovascularization.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests bone marrow-derived cells can incorporate into adult vasculature, indicating potential progenitor cell activity.
- Conflicting studies exist regarding the clear contribution of endothelial progenitors to physiological or pathological angiogenesis.
- The lack of definitive markers hinders a clear understanding of their in vivo role.
Conclusions:
- The exact nature and contribution of endothelial progenitor cells to adult neovascularization remain unclear and debated.
- Further research is needed to resolve the scientific community's lack of consensus.
- Understanding endothelial progenitor cells is crucial for potential therapeutic strategies in vascular diseases.
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