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Stem Cells Handbook pp 221–227Cite as

Endothelial Progenitor Cells

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Abstract

Differentiation of organs depends on signals derived from developing vasculature. Embryonic endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), angioblasts, arise from migrating mesodermal cells and have a precursor in common with hematopoietic stem cells (hemangioblasts, HSCs). These cells appear together during formation of blood islands and the yolk sac capillary network with the EPCs located peripherally to the HSCs. EPCs respond to fibroblast growth factor-2, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Activation of vasculoneogenesis in the adult in response to hyperplasia, injury, or tumor growth involves both endothelial cells in situ and circulating EPCs from the bone marrow. Bone marrow—derived EPCs may be mobilized by growth factors such as granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and VEGF. The therapeutic use of EPCs became feasible when it was shown that statins activate EPCs and enhance angiogenesis in vivo. In addition, mobilized EPCs may be expanded in vitro and used for transplantation enhancement of angiogenesis. Gene therapy to enhance circulation in premature atherosclerosis (Buerger disease) may be accomplished using phVEGF. Decreased neoangiogenesis in older animals may be corrected by transplantation of bone marrow from young animals. However, there is a major hurdle to overcome in obtaining enough EPCs for human use. There is preliminary evidence that this may be overcome by genetic modification of EPCs to overexpress angiogenic growth factors.

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Authors
  1. Takayuki Asahara MD, PhD
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  2. Jeffrey M. Isner MD, PhD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Wadsworth Center and Ordway Research Institute, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY, USA

    Stewart Sell MD

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Asahara, T., Isner, J.M. (2004). Endothelial Progenitor Cells. In: Sell, S. (eds) Stem Cells Handbook. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-411-5_19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59259-411-5_19

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-61737-367-1

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