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A High Output Method to Isolate Cerebral Pericytes from Mouse
Published on: January 14, 2020
Emerging role of pericytes in therapy of cardiovascular diseases
Siarhei A Dabravolski1, Alexander M Markin2, Elena R Andreeva3
1Department of Biotechnology Engineering, ORT Braude College, Snunit 51, P.O. Box 78, Karmiel 2161002, Israel.
Insights
Pericytes, crucial vascular cells, are key in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and emerging as a promising cell therapy. This review explores their roles in CVD and therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Pericytes are mural cells integral to microvascular structure and function.
- They play critical roles in maintaining vascular integrity, permeability, and blood flow.
- Pericytes are increasingly recognized for their involvement in cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on pericyte metabolism, trans-differentiation, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation in CVD.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of pericytes for various cardiovascular conditions.
- To explore pericyte-mediated pharmacological strategies for CVD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent data on pericyte functions in cardiovascular pathologies.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies on pericyte-based cell therapies.
- Discussion of pharmacological approaches targeting pericytes.
Main Results:
- Pericytes exhibit diverse functions including metabolism, trans-differentiation, angiogenesis, and immunomodulation relevant to CVD.
- Pericyte transplantation shows promise in preclinical models for coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, and valvular heart disease.
- Pericytes represent a viable target for novel pharmacological interventions in CVD.
Conclusions:
- Pericytes are pivotal in cardiovascular health and disease, offering significant therapeutic opportunities.
- Cell therapy and pharmacological targeting of pericytes hold great potential for treating a range of CVDs.
- Further research into pericyte biology and therapeutic applications is warranted for effective CVD management.
Abstract:
Pericytes are mural vascular cells covering microvascular capillaries, where they contribute to the formation, maturation, maintenance, stabilisation and remodelling of vasculature. They actively interact and communicate with other cells to maintain the capillary structural integrity, vascular permeability and blood flow. Pericytes are crucial participants in the physiological and pathological processes of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we summarise recent data regarding pericyte metabolism, trans-differentiation, angiogenesis and immunomodulation in connection with different cardiovascular pathologies. Further, we discuss an application of pericytes as a new cell therapy approach to treat coronary artery disease, congenital heart disease, atherosclerotic plaques calcification and calcific valvular heart disease in different in vivo animal models and in vitro studies. Also, we discuss different methods and pharmacological therapies for CVDs treatment with pericyte-mediated effects. Finally, we present a comprehensive overview of the role of pericytes in CVDs and as a pharmacological target for different novel drugs and techniques and highlight the potential application of pericytes to treat CVDs.
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