Very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs)-a new promising candidate for use in cardiac regeneration.
In recent years, stem cell-based therapy has been given increased attention in terms of its potential contribution to cardiac regeneration and repair, after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The published studies have identified many kinds of stem cells with the ability to regenerate and repair damaged myocardium after AMI. These include embryonic stem cells (ESCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), multipotent adult progenitor cells, unrestricted somatic stem cells, etc. More recently, very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs) were identified from murine, as a population of very small CXCR4(+) Lin(-) CD45(-) cells and from human, as a population of very small CD34(+) CD133(+) CXCR4(+) Lin(-) CD45(-) cells. These cells exhibit beneficial effects on improving cardiac function and attenuating cardiac remodeling after AMI. However, the mechanisms underlying the benefits associated with VSELs therapy, in cardiac regeneration and repair, remain poorly understood. This review summarizes the current studies on cardiac repair with VSELs after AMI, and discusses the potential mechanisms and implications of these cells in cardiac repair.
Department of Cardiology, FuWai Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 167 Beilishi Road, XiCheng District, Beijing 100037, PR China.
Qian
Q
Zhang
Yue-Jin
YJ
Yang
Hai-Yan
HY
Qian
Hong
H
Wang
Hui
H
Xu
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000502:physiology* / Q000637:transplantation* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006321:Heart / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects