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Directing human embryonic stem cells to generate vascular progenitor cells

Gene Therapy volume 15, pages 89–95 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) differentiate into most of the cell types of the adult human body, including vascular cells. Vascular cells, such as endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are significant contributors to tissue repair and regeneration. In addition to their potential applications for treatment of vascular diseases and stimulation of ischemic tissue growth, it is also possible that endothelial cells and SMCs derived from hESCs can be used to engineer artificial vessels to repair damaged vessels and form vessel networks in engineered tissues. Here we review the current status of directing hESCs to differentiate to vascular cells.

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Acknowledgements

I acknowledge our colleagues in the field for their many outstanding studies. This work was supported by National Institute of Health Grants K01DK064696 and P20RR018789.

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  1. Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA

    H Bai & Z Z Wang

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Correspondence to Z Z Wang.

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Bai, H., Wang, Z. Directing human embryonic stem cells to generate vascular progenitor cells. Gene Ther 15, 89–95 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.gt.3303005

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