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Smooth muscle progenitor cells: friend or foe in vascular disease?

Olivia van Oostrom1, Joost O Fledderus, Dominique de Kleijn

  • 1Department of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy
|May 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The origin of vascular smooth muscle cells in neointima formation is debated. This review explores the role of bone marrow-derived smooth muscle progenitor cells in vascular disease, aiding therapeutic development.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Cellular Heterogeneity
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) origin in neointima formation is debated in diseases like atherosclerosis.
  • VSMCs are heterogeneous, exhibiting distinct phenotypes in health and disease.
  • Bone marrow-derived progenitor cells (BMSPCs) are implicated in vascular repair.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the heterogeneity of VSMCs.
  • To discuss the role of BMSPCs in vascular disease and neointima formation.
  • To explore therapeutic strategies targeting BMSPCs for vascular disease prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on VSMC heterogeneity.
  • Analysis of research on BMSPCs in vascular disease models.
  • Discussion of potential regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic implications.

Main Results:

  • BMSPCs have been detected in human atherosclerotic tissue and mouse models.
  • The contribution of BMSPCs to neointima formation ('friend' or 'foe') is unclear.
  • Understanding BMSPC roles is crucial for developing novel therapies.

Conclusions:

  • VSMC heterogeneity is a key factor in vascular disease.
  • BMSPCs may play a significant role in neointima formation.
  • Targeting BMSPCs offers potential for novel therapeutic interventions in vascular diseases.

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