Perivascular tissue stem cells are crucial players in vascular disease

Abstract

Perivascular tissue including adipose layer and adventitia have been considered to play pivotal roles in vascular development and disease progression. Recent studies showed that abundant stem/progenitorcells (SPCs) are present in perivascular tissues. These SPCs exhibit capability to proliferate and differentiate into specific terminal cells. Adult perivascular SPCs are quiescent in normal condition, once activated by specific molecules (e.g., cytokines), they migrate toward the lumen side where they differentiate into both smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and endothelial cells (ECs), thus promoting intima hyperplasia or endothelial regeneration. In addition, perivascular SPCs can also regulate vascular diseases via other ways including but not limited to paracrine effects, matrix protein modulation and microvessel formation. Perivascular SPCs have also been shown to possess therapeutic potentials due to the capability to differentiate into vascular cells and regenerate vascular structures. This review summarizes current knowledge on resident SPCs features and discusses the potential benefits of SPCs therapy in vascular diseases.