Authors : Zhi-Qiang Liu, Da-Wei Li, Zhao-Xia Zang, Ming Chang and Lin-Sen Hu
Abstract: Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) may play a crucial role in postnatal vasculogenesis which contribute to the development of vascular biology. So far, there has not a consensus definition of EPCs. In 2004, Ingram developed a single-cell clonogenic assay and identified a unique cell population based on their proliferative potential in human umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood and named this cell population as Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells (ECFCs). Accumulating data suggest that ECFCs possess all the characteristics of EPCs including robust clonal proliferative capacity and the ability to form de novo blood vessels with a lumen in vivo and capillary-like tube in vitro. Therefore, ECFCs may be true EPCs and have been highly concerned as a superior type of cells to treat patients with vascular diseases. This review will focus on the characteristics, hierarchy, expansion, functions of ECFCs. Researchers attempt to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cells to promote the development of cell-based therapy for patients suffering from vascular diseases.
Zhi-Qiang Liu, Da-Wei Li, Zhao-Xia Zang, Ming Chang and Lin-Sen Hu, 2012. A Systematic Review of Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 11: 4506-4513.