Synthetic microparticles conjugated with VEGF₁₆₅ improve the survival of endothelial progenitor cells via microRNA-17 inhibition.

ABSTRACT: Several cell-based therapies are under pre-clinical and clinical evaluation for the treatment of ischemic diseases. Poor survival and vascular engraftment rates of transplanted cells force them to work mainly via time-limited paracrine actions. Although several approaches, including the use of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor (sVEGF)-VEGF₁₆₅, have been developed in the last 10 years to enhance cell survival, they showed limited efficacy. Here, we report a pro-survival approach based on VEGF-immobilized microparticles (VEGF-MPs). VEGF-MPs prolong VEGFR-2 and Akt phosphorylation in cord blood-derived late outgrowth endothelial progenitor cells (OEPCs). In vivo, OEPC aggregates containing VEGF-MPs show higher survival than those treated with sVEGF. Additionally, VEGF-MPs

SUBMITTER: Aday S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5622042 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature