Letter abstract
Nature Medicine 14, 973 - 978 (2008)
Published online: 27 July 2008 | doi:10.1038/nm.1852
PlGF–MMP-9–expressing cells restore microcirculation and efficacy of cell therapy in aged dystrophic muscle
Cesare Gargioli1,2, Marcello Coletta1, Fabrizio De Grandis1,2, Stefano M Cannata2 & Giulio Cossu1,3,4
Sclerosis and reduced microvessel density characterize advanced stages of muscular dystrophy and hamper cell or gene delivery, precluding treatment of most individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Modified tendon fibroblasts expressing an angiogenic factor (placenta growth factor, PlGF) and a metalloproteinase (matrix metalloproteinase-9, MMP-9) are able to restore a vascular network and reduce collagen deposition, allowing efficient cell therapy in aged dystrophic mice. These data open the possibility of extending new therapies to currently untreatable individuals.
- San Raffaele Biomedical Park Foundation of Rome, 100 Via Castel Romano, 10028 Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biology, University of Tor Vergata, Via della ricerca scientifica, 00173 Rome, Italy.
- Stem Cell Research Institute, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 58 Via Olgettina, 20132 Milan, Italy.
- Department of Biology, University Milan, 28 Via Celoria, 20129 Milan, Italy.
Correspondence to: Giulio Cossu1,3,4 e-mail: cossu.giulio@hsr.it
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