Circulating progenitor cells contribute to vascular repair, remodeling and lesion formation

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is responsible for more than half of all deaths in western countries. Numerous studies have reported that accumulation of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) plays a principal role in atherogenesis, post-angioplasty restenosis and transplantation-associated vasculopathy. Although much effort has been devoted targeting migration and proliferation of medial smooth muscle cells, no effective therapy to prevent occlusive vascular remodeling has been established. Recently, we suggested that bone marrow-derived precursors can give rise to vascular cells that contribute to repair, remodeling, and lesion formation of arterial wall under certain circumstances. This article overviews recent findings on vascular precursors and describes potential therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases, targeting mobilization, homing, differentiation and proliferation of circulating progenitor cells.