ARS | Publication request: Vascular precursors: origin, regulation and function

Submitted to: Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: April 11, 2010
Publication Date: June 1, 2010
Citation: Hirschi, K.K. 2010. Vascular precursors: origin, regulation and function. Arteriosclerosis Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. 30(6):1078-1079.

Technical Abstract: In this miniseries, we discuss the phenotype, origin, and specialized microenvironment (niche) of distinct populations of stem and progenitor cells that exhibit vascular potential. Their usefulness and effectiveness for clinical therapies are also described. We have learned a great deal about postnatal vascular precursors since their discovery more than 10 years ago, and there is much hope in the field that the potential of such cell populations can be harnessed for cardiovascular tissue repair and regeneration. However, further studies are needed in cell culture systems, translational animal models, and human clinical trials to thoroughly explore and optimize the use of stem and progenitor cells with vascular potential for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.