Since endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were first described in 1997, there has been significant debate surrounding their definition and roles; but also agreement in their potential to develop as biomarkers and cytotherapies. EPCs participate in vascular repair and postnatal angiogenesis by differentiating into endothelial cells or by producing pro–angiogenic growth factors. Various subtypes of EPCs have been studied, such as CD34+VEGFR2+ blood circulating cells, cultured endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs), and myeloid angiogenic cells (MACs). EPCs have therapeutic potential for revascularisation and vascular repair in ischemic diseases such as myocardial infarction and diabetic vascular complications. In this Research Topic, we would like to compile evidence to enable their translation including strategies to enhance the number, homing ability to the injury site and function of EPCs.
Dr Garland had to step down from her duty as a Topic Editor due to unforeseen circumstances. We would like to thank Dr Garland for all her work and efforts at the launch of this Research Topic.
We welcome all forms of submissions: original research, review and method articles, clinical trials and case reports.
Since endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were first described in 1997, there has been significant debate surrounding their definition and roles; but also agreement in their potential to develop as biomarkers and cytotherapies. EPCs participate in vascular repair and postnatal angiogenesis by differentiating into endothelial cells or by producing pro–angiogenic growth factors. Various subtypes of EPCs have been studied, such as CD34+VEGFR2+ blood circulating cells, cultured endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs), and myeloid angiogenic cells (MACs). EPCs have therapeutic potential for revascularisation and vascular repair in ischemic diseases such as myocardial infarction and diabetic vascular complications. In this Research Topic, we would like to compile evidence to enable their translation including strategies to enhance the number, homing ability to the injury site and function of EPCs.
Dr Garland had to step down from her duty as a Topic Editor due to unforeseen circumstances. We would like to thank Dr Garland for all her work and efforts at the launch of this Research Topic.
We welcome all forms of submissions: original research, review and method articles, clinical trials and case reports.
