Telocytes: Exploring Their Influence on Angiogenesis and Therapeutic Interventions

Abstract

Abstract Telocytes (TCs), unique interstitial cells characterized by distinctive ultrastructural features, have emerged as key players in angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation. This review explores the diverse roles of TCs in angiogenesis across various organs and tissues, shedding light on their potential therapeutic applications. TCs have been shown to express several angiogenic factors and participate in the regulation of angiogenesis across different organs and tissues in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, skin, skeletal muscle, and male and female reproductive systems. Additionally, TCs have developed as potential therapeutic targets for modulating angiogenesis in various pathological disorders, such as myocardial infarction, respiratory distress syndrome, endometriosis, and skeletal muscle repair. Despite promising preclinical therapeutic implications, several limitations, including incomplete understanding of TC-mediated angiogenic mechanisms, heterogeneity of TC populations, and ethical considerations, must be addressed to interpret these findings into clinical applications effectively. Upcoming studies should focus on unraveling the intricate signaling pathways underlying TC-mediated angiogenesis, characterizing TC subpopulations, and optimizing preclinical studies to harness the full therapeutic potential of TCs in angiogenesis-related disorders. Overall, understanding the role of TCs in angiogenesis and therapeutic intervention represents a promising avenue for advancing regenerative medicine and improving patient outcomes.