Distinct angiogenesis roles and surface markers of early and late endothelial progenitor cells revealed by functional group analyses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play a fundamental role in post-natal vascular repair. Currently EPCs are defined as either early and late EPCs based on their biological properties and their time of appearance during in vitro culture. EPCs are rare and therefore optimizing isolation and culture is required before they can be applied as part of clinical therapies.

Results

We compared the gene profiles of early/late EPCs to their ancestors CD133+ or CD34+ stem cells and to matured endothelial cells pinpointing novel biomarkers and stemness genes. Late EPCs were enriched with proliferation and angiogenesis genes, participating in endothelial tubulogenesis and hence neovascularization. Early EPCs expressed abundant inflammatory cytokines and paracrine angiogenic f

SUBMITTER: Cheng CC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3652793 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature