scholarly journals MicroRNA-126 Priming Enhances Functions of Endothelial Progenitor Cells under Physiological and Hypoxic Conditions and Their Therapeutic Efficacy in Cerebral Ischemic Damage

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qunwen Pan ◽  
Jieyi Zheng ◽  
Donghui Du ◽  
Xiaorong Liao ◽  
Chunlian Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Infarct Volume ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
No Production ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Hypoxic Conditions

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have shown the potential for treating ischemic stroke (IS), while microRNA-126 (miR-126) is reported to have beneficial effects on endothelial function and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the effects of miR-126 overexpression on EPCs and explore the efficacy of miR-126-primed EPCs (EPCmiR-126) in treating IS. The effects of miR-126 overexpression on EPC proliferation, migratory, tube formation capacity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and nitric oxide (NO) generation were determined. In in vivo study, the effects of EPCmiR-126 on the cerebral blood flow (CBF), neurological deficit score (NDS), infarct volume, cerebral microvascular density (cMVD), and angiogenesis were determined. Moreover, the levels of circulating EPCs (cEPCs) and their contained miR-126 were measured. We found (1) miR-126 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, and tube formation abilities of EPCs; decreased ROS; and increased NO production of EPCs via activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway; (2) EPCmiR-126 was more effective than EPCs in attenuating infarct volume and NDS and enhancing cMVD, CBF, and angiogenesis; and (3) infusion of EPCmiR-126 increased the number and the level of miR-126 in cEPCs. Our data indicate that miR-126 overexpression enhanced the function of EPCs in vitro and in vivo.

scholarly journals Hydrogen Sulfide-Preconditioning of Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells Transplantation Improves Re-Endothelialization in Nude Mice with Carotid Artery Injury

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 308-319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Ke ◽  
Jun Zou ◽  
Qingsong Hu ◽  
Xiaoqing Wang ◽  
Chengheng Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carotid Artery ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Nude Mice ◽  
No Production ◽  
Carotid Artery Injury ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor ◽  
Artery Injury

Background/Aims: The aim of present study was to test the hypothesis that preconditioning with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) could enhance the capacity of migration, adhesion and proliferation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in vitro, and also could improve the efficacy of EPCs transplantation for re-endothelialization in nude mice with carotid artery injury. The paper further addressed the underlying mechanisms. Methods: EPCs were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy male volunteers and the markers of EPCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. Thereafter, different concentrations of NaHS (25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 uM) were used for preconditioning EPCs. In vitro and in vivo migration, adhesion and proliferation as well as nitric oxide (NO) production of EPCs were evaluated. Carotid artery injury model was produced in nude mice and thereafter, NaHS-preconditioned EPCs were transplanted in order to evaluate their capacity of re-endothelialization. Results: Cellular immuno-staining showed that isolated cells expressed the key markers of EPCs. In vitro, EPCs proliferation rates and NO production were gradually increased in a NaHS-concentration dependent manner, while these benefits were blocked at a concentration of 500 uM NaHS. Similarly, the migration and adhesion rates of EPCs were also increased the most prominently at a concentration of 200 µM NaHS. In vivo, compared to the control group, treatment with NaHS-preconditioned EPCs significantly enhanced the capacity of re-endothelialization of EPCs. Fluorescent microscope revealed that there were more EPCs homing to the injury vessels in the NaHS-preconditioned EPCs group than the non-preconditioned group. With the administration of AMPK or eNOS inhibitors respectively, the above benefits of NaHS-preconditioning were abrogated. Conclusion: These results suggested that NaHS-preconditioning enhanced the biological function and re-endothelialization of EPCs through the AMPK/eNOS signaling pathway.

Abstract 1743: Stem/Progenitor Markers Sca-1 versus C-kit and CD31 Determine Angiogenic Potential of Mouse Bone Marrow-derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshikazu D Tanaka ◽  
Masaaki Ii ◽  
Haruki Sekiguchi ◽  
Kentaro Jujo ◽  
Sol Misener ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Mouse Bone Marrow ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor ◽  
Angiogenic Potential ◽  
Ischemic Tissue

Background: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been shown to have angiogenic potential contributing to neovascularization. However, the definition of EPC, including surface marker expression of EPCs promoting vasculo-/angiogenesis in ischemic tissue, remains uncertain. We hypothesized that stem/progenitor (c-kit vs. sca-1) and endothelial cell (EC) markers (CD31) may identify cells with enhanced EPC potential. Methods and Results: Mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated from mouse bones, and Lin+ cells were depleted by magnetic cell sorting. Lin- cells were further sorted with the following markers (% of total MNCs) by FACS: c-kit+ (1.87%), sca-1+ (0.6%), c-kit+ /CD31+ (1.1%) and sca-1+ /CD31+ (0.28%). Non-sorted MNCs were used as a control. To examine EC phenotype in culture, cells were labeled with DiI and co-cultured with mature ECs (human microvascular endothelial cells: HMVECs). The percent incorporation of DiI labeled cells into HMVEC tube structures 12 hours after co-culture and BS1-lectin positivity/acLDL uptake were: sca-1+ /CD31+ cells (87 ± 2%) > c-kit+ /CD31+ (79 ± 8%) > sca-1+ (62 ± 8%) > c-kit+ (59 ± 5%) > MNC (50 ± 3% ) . Next, we examined homing capacity of these cells to ischemic myocardium using a mouse myocardial infarction (MI) model. DiI-labeled cells (5x10 4 , IV) were injected to splenectomized mice 3 days after MI, and the hearts were excised 24 hours after the cell injection for histological analysis. Interestingly, the number of recruited/retained DiI-labeled-cells in the MI hearts exactly replicated the findings of the in vitro tube formation assay (cells/HPF): sca-1+ /CD31+ (108 ± 26) > c-kit+ /CD31+ (77 ± 16) > sca-1+ (71 ± 14) > c-kit+ (67 ± 1) > MNCs (48 ± 6) , suggesting that sca-1+ /CD31+ cells might have great functional activities as endothelial precursors. Conclusions: Both stem/progenitor marker Sca-1 and EC marker CD31 expressing EPCs exhibited high potential angiogenic capacity with EC phenotypic features compared with c-kit expressing cells. Our data suggest that Sca-1+ /CD31+ cells may represent EPC-rich cell population, and Sca-1/CD31 could be useful markers to enrich for cells with EPC potential. Ongoing studies will determine the in vivo characteristics of these cells for ischemic tissue repair.

scholarly journals Shear Stress Triggers Angiogenesis of Late Endothelial Progenitor Cells via the PTEN/Akt/GTPCH/BH4 Pathway

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Shao-Hong Wu ◽  
Feng Zhang ◽  
Shun Yao ◽  
Lu Tang ◽  
Hai-Tao Zeng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shear Stress ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Limb Ischemia ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Laminar Shear Stress ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor ◽  
Tensin Homolog

Background. Shear stress is an effective modulator of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and has been suggested to play an important role in angiogenesis. The phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/Akt and guanosine triphosphate cyclohydrolase (GTPCH)/tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) pathways regulate the function of early EPCs. However, the role of these pathways in the shear stress-induced angiogenesis of late EPCs remains poorly understood. Therefore, we aim to investigate whether shear stress could upregulate the angiogenesis capacity of late EPCs and to further explore the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods. Late EPCs were subjected to laminar shear stress (LSS), and their in vitro migration, proliferation, and tube formation capacity were determined. In addition, the in vivo angiogenesis capacity was explored, along with the expression of molecules involved in the PTEN/Akt and GTPCH/BH4 pathways. Results. LSS elevated the in vitro activities of late EPCs, which were accompanied by downregulated PTEN expression, accelerated Akt phosphorylation, and GTPCH/BH4 pathway activation (all P<0.05). Following Akt inhibition, LSS-induced upregulated GTPCH expression, BH4, and NO level of EPCs were suppressed. LSS significantly improved the migration, proliferation, and tube formation ability (15 dyn/cm2 LSS vs. stationary: 72.2±5.5 vs. 47.3±7.3, 0.517±0.05 vs. 0.367±0.038, and 1.664±0.315 vs. 1±0, respectively; all P<0.05) along with the in vivo angiogenesis capacity of late EPCs, contributing to the recovery of limb ischemia. These effects were also blocked by Akt inhibition or GTPCH knockdown (P<0.05, respectively). Conclusions. This study provides the first evidence that shear stress triggers angiogenesis in late EPCs via the PTEN/Akt/GTPCH/BH4 pathway, providing a potential nonpharmacologic therapeutic strategy for promoting angiogenesis in ischemia-related diseases.

Abstract 3752: Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism Prevents Aldosterone Mediated Dysfunction of Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Vitro, in Vivo and in Patients

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Thum ◽  
Kerstin Schmitter ◽  
Daniela Fraccarollo ◽  
Julian Widder ◽  
Ertl Georg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Mineralocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor ◽  
Peripheral Arterial Tonometry ◽  
Genetic Ablation ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Hyperaldosteronism has been associated with vascular injury. Bone marrow derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) play an important role in endothelial repair and vascular homeostasis. We therefore examined the effects of aldosterone and its blockade by the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist eplerenone on EPC number and function in vitro , in vivo and a clinical trial . EPCs expressed the MR at the gene and protein level. Aldosterone treatment of human EPC led to a translocation of the MR into the nucleus and impaired multiple cellular functions, such as differentiation, migration, proliferation and incorporation in vascular networks. Impaired EPC function was rescued by pharmacological antagonism or genetic ablation of the MR. Aldosterone increased the intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was attenuated by MR blockade. Aldosterone-mediated increase of ROS was mainly protein kinase A-dependent and resulted in cAMP activation with subsequent impairment of EPC migration. Chronic aldosterone infusion in mice (implanted minipumps, 50mg/kg/d for 14d) impaired EPC functionality and resulted in endothelial dysfunction. MR antagonism prevented those effects. In patients with hyperaldosteronism, EPC displayed reduced migratory potential compared with age-matched healthy controls. Impaired function of EPC from patients with hyperaldosteronism significantly correlated with endothelial dysfunction assessed by peripheral arterial tonometry. Importantly, MR antagonism in patients with hyperaldosteronism improved EPC as well as endothelial function. EPC function is impaired in hyperaldosteronism by increased intracellular ROS production and cAMP activation. Beneficial effects of MR antagonists in cardiovascular disease prevention and therapy especially during hyperaldosteronism may be mediated in part by improved EPC biology.

Abstract 3955: Chemokines Fused to a Fractalkine Backbone and a GPI-Anchor Attract Embryonic Endothelial Progenitor Cells to the Site of Ischemia

Circulation ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 118 (suppl_18) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiraz El-Aouni ◽  
Franziska Globisch ◽  
Achim Pfosser ◽  
Georg Stachel ◽  
Rabea Hinkel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Adhesion Molecule ◽  
Capillary Density ◽  
Gpi Anchor ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor ◽  
Collateral Growth ◽  
Artificial Adhesion

Recruitment of endothelial progenitor cells to the sites of ischemia is a prerequisite for efficient therapeutic neovascularization via vasculogenesis. Chemokines play a major role in the homing of EPCs at the ischemic vasculature, a mechanism fading in chronic ischemia. To overcome this limitation, we constructed an artificial adhesion molecule consisting of a GPI-anchor, a fractalkine-backbone and an SDF-1 head (SDF-1-fra-GPI), which was applied for enhanced recruitment of embryonic EPCs (eEPCs: CXCR4++, Tie2++, Thrombomodulin++, CD34-, MHCI-, vWF inducible, eNOS inducible) in vitro and in vivo . Methods: In a flow chamber adhesion assay, Control plasmids (pcDNA or GPI-SDF-1 cDNA) were compared to the SDF-1-fra-GPI construct for eEPC recruitment 24h after liposomal transfection of rat endothelial cells. In vivo, in rabbits (n=5 per group) at day 7 (d7) after femoral artery excision, 1 mg of the SDF-1-fra-GPI or eGFP cDNA was transfected into the ischemic limb. At d9, ischemic hindlimbs were retroinfused with 5x10 6 eEPCs. Angiography was performed for collateral quantification and frame count score at d9 and d37 (% of d9), capillary density was assessed via PECAM-1-staining (capillaries/muscle fiber = c/mf). Results: In vitro, eEPC adhesion (16±12 cells/field) was increased to a higher extent by SDF-1-fra-GPI (79±13) than SDF1-GPI (54±8) or control vector (37±8). In vivo , eEPC adhesion in the ischemic hindlimb after SDF-1-fra-GPI transfection compared to mock transfection (30±3 vs. 9±1 cells/field). Whereas capillary density was unaffected (1.66±0.30 SDF-1-Fra-GPI vs. 1.56±0.29 eEPCs), collateral growth (152±10% SDF-1-fra-GPI vs. 124±13%) as well as perfusion score (198±17% SDF-1-fra-GPI vs.160±6% eEPCs) further increased after SDF-1-fra-GPI transfection (controls: 1.24±0.12 c/mf, collaterals 105±8%, perfusion score 112±11%). We conclude that recruitment of EPCs expressing CXCR4 (the SDF-1 receptor) may benefit from pre-treatment of the recipient vasculature with SDF-1-Fra-GPI, an artificial adhesion molecule. This approach might be valuable for enhancing EPC recruitment in the scenario of therapeutic neovascular-ization of chronic ischemic syndromes.

Nox2 siRNA Transfection Down Regulates VEGF Induced-Angiogenesis on Endothelial Progenitor Cells Which Are Derived From HCB

Blood ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 116 (21) ◽  
pp. 5188-5188
Author(s):  
Eun-Sun Yoo ◽  
Yeung-Chul Mun ◽  
Eun Mi Nam ◽  
Kyoung Eun Lee ◽  
Jung Won Huh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nadph Oxidase ◽  
Western Blot ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Sirna Transfection ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor ◽  
Intracellular Ros ◽  
Perk Expression

Abstract Abstract 5188 Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and H2O2 have roles signaling for molecules on angiogenesis. NADPH oxidase Nox2 (gp91phox) is a major source of ROS. Previous, we had found that Nox2-based NADPH oxidase (gp91phox)-induced ROS may play important roles on EPCs migration and proliferation by VEGF (Blood. 2009;114:Abstract 1445). In the present study, we studied the impact of down-regulation of Nox2 on intracellular ROS level, proliferation, transmigration, and in vitro tube formation of HCB derived EPCs via Nox2 siRNA transfection. Methods: Outgrowing endothelial progenitor cells were established from mononuclear cells of human cord blood (Yoo et al, Stem cells. 2003;21:228-235) using EGM-2 media in a fibronectin-coated dish. EPCs were transfected with HiPerFection transfection reagent plus Nox2 siRNA or non-targeting control siRNA and cultured for 5 hours. 100ng/ml of VEGF was added to the transfected cells and cultured for overnight. Expression of Nox2 and pERK in the Nox2 siRNA transfected EPCs were detected by western blot analysis. Intracellular ROS level was analyzed by staining with 2, 7-dichlrodihydro-fluorescein-diacetate (H2DCF-DA) and flow cytometry. Transmigration against VEGF was performed using transwell system (Costar) and in vitro tube formation was assayed using In vitro angiogenesis kit (Chemicon). Results: Intracellular ROS level was increased during endothelial progenitor cell culture which were derived from HCB by VEGF treatment. Proliferation, in vitro tube formation matrigel assay and migration assay on endothelial progenitor cells using VEGF were decreased with Nox2 siRNA transfection when compared with that of control group. In western blot data, Nox2-based NADPH oxidase (gp91phox) was increased by VEGF and decreased by Nox2 siRNA transfection. VEGF induced pERK expression was also decreased by Nox2 siRNA transfection as well. Conclusions: Based on our studies, Nox2-based NADPH oxidase (gp91phox)-induced ROS may have important roles on proliferation in HCB induced EPCs by VEGF stimulation. Furthermore, Nox2 siRNA transfection into HCB derived EPC down-regulated intracellular ROS production and pERK expression. Our data may be useful finding the new therapeutic targets for ischemic heart and ischemic limb diseases by manipulating the level of intracellular ROS via Nox2. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Dynamic compression promotes proliferation and neovascular networks of endothelial progenitor cells in demineralized bone matrix scaffold seed

2012 ◽  
Vol 113 (4) ◽  
pp. 619-626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhan Kong ◽  
Jianjun Li ◽  
Qun Zhao ◽  
Zhendong Zhou ◽  
Xiangnan Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Healing ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Demineralized Bone Matrix ◽  
Dynamic Compression ◽  
Bone Matrix ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor ◽  
Demineralized Bone

Neovascularization is required for bone formation and successful fracture healing. In the process of neovascularization, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role and finish vascular repair through reendothelialization to promote successful fracture healing. In this study, we found that dynamic compression can promote the proliferation and capillary-like tube formation of EPCs in the demineralized bone matrix (DBM) scaffold seed. EPCs isolated from the bone marrow of rats have been cultured in DBM scaffolds before dynamic compression and then seeded in the DBM scaffolds under dynamic conditions. The cells/scaffold constructs were subjected to cyclic compression with 5% strain and at 1 Hz for 4 h/day for 7 consecutive days. By using MTT and real-time PCR, we found that dynamic compression can significantly induce the proliferation of EPCs in three-dimensional culture with an even distribution of cells onto DBM scaffolds. Both in vitro and in vivo, the tube formation assays in the scaffolds showed that the loaded EPCs formed significant tube-like structures. These findings suggest that dynamic compression promoted the vasculogenic activities of EPCs seeded in the scaffolds, which would benefit large bone defect tissue engineering.

scholarly journals Effects of androgens on endothelial progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo

2009 ◽  
Vol 117 (10) ◽  
pp. 355-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gian Paolo Fadini ◽  
Mattia Albiero ◽  
Andrea Cignarella ◽  
Chiara Bolego ◽  
Christian Pinna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cell ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Progenitor Cell ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor ◽  
Healthy Human

The beneficial or detrimental effects of androgens on the cardiovascular system are debated. Endothelial progenitor cells are bone-marrow-derived cells involved in endothelial healing and angiogenesis, which promote cardiovascular health. Oestrogens are potent stimulators of endothelial progenitor cells, and previous findings have indicated that androgens may improve the biology of these cells as well. In the present study, we show that testosterone and its active metabolite dihydrotestosterone exert no effects on the expansion and function of late endothelial progenitors isolated from the peripheral blood of healthy human adult males, whereas they positively modulate early ‘monocytic’ endothelial progenitor cells. In parallel, we show that castration in rats is followed by a decrease in circulating endothelial progenitor cells, but that testosterone and dihydrotestosterone replacement fails to restore endothelial progenitor cells towards normal levels. This is associated with persistently low oestrogen levels after androgen replacement in castrated rats. In a sample of 62 healthy middle-aged men, we show that circulating endothelial progenitor cell levels are more directly associated with oestradiol, rather than with testosterone, concentrations. In conclusion, our results collectively demonstrate that androgens exert no direct effects on endothelial progenitor cell biology in vitro and in vivo.

miR-126 modulates angiogenic growth parameters of peripheral blood endothelial progenitor cells

2015 ◽  
Vol 396 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian M. Goerke ◽  
Lena S. Kiefer ◽  
G. Björn Stark ◽  
Filip Simunovic ◽  
Günter Finkenzeller
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Tube Formation ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor

Abstract Vascularization plays an important role in tissue engineering applications. It is known that implantation of differentiated endothelial cells or endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from cord blood (cbEPCs) gives rise to the formation of a complex functional neovasculature, whereas EPCs isolated from peripheral blood (pbEPCs) have a limited capability to form blood vessels upon implantation. MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) has been shown to have pro-angiogenic effects in vivo. In this study, we investigated whether modulation of miR-126 expression in pbEPCs may alter their angiogenic properties. Gain of function and loss of function experiments revealed that miR-126 has anti-angiogenic effects in pbEPCs. Overexpression of miR-126 resulted in decreased proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation, while inhibition of miR-126 induced the opposite effects. However, modulation of miR-126 expression did not influence apoptotic susceptibility of pbEPCs. This study provides evidence that inhibition of miR-126 improves angiogenesis-related growth parameters in pbEPCs and may represent a therapeutic option to ameliorate the angiogenic and vasculogenic properties of pbEPCs.

scholarly journals Humanized large-scale expanded endothelial colony–forming cells function in vitro and in vivo

Blood ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 113 (26) ◽  
pp. 6716-6725 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas Reinisch ◽  
Nicole A. Hofmann ◽  
Anna C. Obenauf ◽  
Karl Kashofer ◽  
Eva Rohde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor Cells ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Proliferative Potential ◽  
Vascular Networks ◽  
Endothelial Progenitor ◽  
Endothelial Colony Forming Cells ◽  
Promising Tool

Abstract Endothelial progenitor cells are critically involved in essential biologic processes, such as vascular homeostasis, regeneration, and tumor angiogenesis. Endothelial colony–forming cells (ECFCs) are endothelial progenitor cells with robust proliferative potential. Their profound vessel-forming capacity makes them a promising tool for innovative experimental, diagnostic, and therapeutic strategies. Efficient and safe methods for their isolation and expansion are presently lacking. Based on the previously established efficacy of animal serum–free large-scale clinical-grade propagation of mesenchymal stromal cells, we hypothesized that endothelial lineage cells may also be propagated efficiently following a comparable strategy. Here we demonstrate that human ECFCs can be recovered directly from unmanipulated whole blood. A novel large-scale animal protein-free humanized expansion strategy preserves the progenitor hierarchy with sustained proliferation potential of more than 30 population doublings. By applying large-scale propagated ECFCs in various test systems, we observed vascular networks in vitro and perfused vessels in vivo. After large-scale expansion and cryopreservation phenotype, function, proliferation, and genomic stability were maintained. For the first time, proliferative, functional, and storable ECFCs propagated under humanized conditions can be explored in terms of their therapeutic applicability and risk profile.

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