The Role of Notch Signaling in Endothelial Progenitor Cell Biology

Kwon, Sang-Mo; Alev, Cantas; Asahara, Takayuki

doi:10.1016/j.tcm.2009.10.002

« Previous Next »Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine
Volume 19, Issue 5 , Pages 170-173, July 2009

The Role of Notch Signaling in Endothelial Progenitor Cell Biology

Sang-Mo Kwon
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Laboratory for Vascular Medicine & Stem Cell Biology, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
- These authors contributed equally to this work.
Cantas Alev
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Japan
- Vascular Regeneration Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
- These authors contributed equally to this work.
Takayuki Asahara
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
- Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology, RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe, Japan
- Vascular Regeneration Research Group, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Takayuki Asahara, Department of Regenerative Medicine Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, 143 Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan. Tel.: (+81) 46 393 1121x2521; fax: (+81) 46 395 0961

It is generally accepted that endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can promote postnatal neovascularization and be used for vascular regeneration, thus representing a promising new tool for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of EPCs; their interaction with niche cells; and their regenerative capacity still remain elusive. The Notch signaling pathway shown to be important for the maintenance and differentiation of various stem and progenitor populations is also involved in EPC regulation. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge about the pivotal role of Notch signaling in EPC biology and EPC-mediated vascular regeneration.