EndMT-derived mesenchymal stem cells: a new therapeutic target to atherosclerosis treatment
Xiaofan Zhang1, Zhong Ren1, Zhisheng Jiang2
1Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, International Joint Laboratory for Arteriosclerotic Disease Research of Hunan Province, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, China.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for treating atherosclerosis by modulating inflammation. New research explores targeting MSCs and their potential role in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) for novel therapeutic strategies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and stroke, are leading global health concerns.
- Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory condition, underlies these major cardiovascular diseases.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess self-renewal, differentiation, immunomodulatory, and regenerative properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics and therapeutic potential of MSCs for atherosclerosis.
- To explore novel treatment strategies for atherosclerosis by targeting MSCs.
- To investigate the role of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in atherosclerosis and MSCs.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on MSCs and atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of MSC transplantation studies focusing on macrophage modulation.
- Examination of recent findings on EndMT in atherosclerosis development.
Main Results:
- MSCs demonstrate potential in modulating key inflammatory cells like macrophages in atherosclerosis.
- Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is implicated in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- A novel cell type, potentially MSCs, may arise during the EndMT process in atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- MSCs offer a promising avenue for atherosclerosis treatment through immunomodulation and regeneration.
- Targeting MSCs and understanding their role in EndMT could lead to innovative therapeutic approaches.
- Further research into MSCs and EndMT is crucial for advancing atherosclerosis treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease and stroke, are the main threats to human health worldwide. Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disorder, plays a role as an initiator of all of the above-mentioned diseases. Cell therapy for diseases has attracted widespread attention. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of stem cell that still exist in adults and have the characteristics of self-renewal ability, pluripotent differentiation potential, immunomodulation, tissue regeneration, anti-inflammation and low immunogenicity. In light of the properties of MSCs, some researchers have begun to target MSCs to create a possible way to alleviate atherosclerosis. Most of these studies are focused on MSC transplantation, injecting MSCs to modulate macrophages, the key inflammatory cell in atherosclerosis plaque. According to recent studies, researchers found that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has something to do with atherosclerosis development. A new cell type MSC might also appear during the EndMT process. In this article, we summarize the characteristics of MSCs, the latest progress of MSC research and its application prospects, and in view of the process of EndMT occurring in atherosclerosis, we propose some new ideas for the treatment of atherosclerosis by targeting MSCs.
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