title: The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in stem cell preconditioning.
abstract: We review the pivotal role of the stromal derived factor (SDF)-1 chemokine in tissue ischaemia and how it orchestrates the rapid revascularization of injured, ischaemic, and regenerating tissues via the CXC chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7. Furthermore, we discuss the effects of preconditioning (PC), which is a well-known protective phenomenon for tissue ischaemia. The positive effect of both hypoxic and acidic PC on progenitor cell therapeutic potential is reviewed, while stressing the role of the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis in this process.
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio di Biologia Vascolare e Medicina Rigenerativa,  Centro Cardiologico Monzino-IRCCS, Via Carlo Parea 4, 20138 Milan,  Italy.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cencioni
authors.forename: Maurizio C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Capogrossi
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Napolitano
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D054377:Chemokine CXCL12 / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D019157:Ischemic Preconditioning, Myocardial; D015428:Myocardial Reperfusion Injury / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D019718:Receptors, CXCR4 / Q000378:metabolism*; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D054377:Chemokine CXCL12; D019718:Receptors, CXCR4