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Pericytes: The Role of Multipotent Stem Cells in Vascular Maintenance and Regenerative Medicine

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Cell Biology and Translational Medicine, Volume 1

Part of the book series: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology ((CBTMED,volume 1079))

Abstract

Blood vessels consist of an inner endothelial cell layer lining the vessel wall and perivascular pericytes, also known as mural cells, which envelop the vascular tube surface. Pericytes have recently been recognized for their central role in blood vessel formation. Pericytes are multipotent cells that are heterogeneous in their origin, function, morphology and surface markers. Similar to other types of stem cells, pericytes act as a repair system in response to injury by maintaining the structural integrity of blood vessels. Several studies have shown that blood vessels lacking pericytes become hyperdilated and haemorrhagic, leading to vascular complications ranging from diabetic retinopathy to embryonic death. The role of pericytes is not restricted to the formation and development of the vasculature: they have been shown to possess stem cell-like characteristics and may differentiate into cell types from different lineages. Recent discoveries regarding the contribution of pericytes to tumour metastasis and the maintenance of tumour vascular supply and angiogenesis have led researchers to propose targeting pericytes with anti-angiogenic therapies. In this review, we will examine the different physiological roles of pericytes, their differentiation potential, and how they interact with surrounding cells to ensure the integrity of blood vessel formation and maintenance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt

    Toka A. Ahmed & Nagwa El-Badri

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  1. Toka A. Ahmed
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  2. Nagwa El-Badri
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Correspondence to Nagwa El-Badri .

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  1. Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Retired), Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    Kursad Turksen

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Ahmed, T.A., El-Badri, N. (2017). Pericytes: The Role of Multipotent Stem Cells in Vascular Maintenance and Regenerative Medicine. In: Turksen, K. (eds) Cell Biology and Translational Medicine, Volume 1. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology(), vol 1079. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/5584_2017_138

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