Numerous studies have suggested the presence of precursor cells in various tissues and organs with potential to differentiate into endothelial and mural cells, and contribute to blood vessel formation in different physiological and pathological circumstances. Although there is still a lack of consensus in the field regarding the origin, and phenotypic and functional characteristics of putative vascular progenitor cell populations, all agree that further studies are needed to fully explore and exploit their great potential as cell therapy for vascular diseases, as modulators of postnatal blood vessel formation, and as disease biomarkers. Herein, we will review the phenotypic and functional characteristics of endothelial progenitor/precursor cell types thought to be derived from the hematopoietic and vascular systems and contribute to postnatal blood vessel formation, and discuss their potential lineage relationships.
Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.