Researchers decipher stem cell messages in blood vessel formation

What is it about?

An international collaboration between UC Davis and Swedish scientists has resulted in the first comprehensive characterization of a recently discovered cell-to-cell communication system used by stem cells. The findings, posted online today in the journal Stem Cells, will help scientists develop new stem cell-based treatment options for peripheral artery disease, a condition which affects about 12 million people in the United States alone. Proteins, RNA and other cellular contents were recently discovered to be released from stem cells in millions of small bubbles – called exosomes – and taken up by neighboring cells, influencing their behavior and activity. This latest research has characterized for the first time the proteins contained in exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells by exposing them to both normal physiological conditions and low oxygen conditions that mimic the low blood flow seen in peripheral arterial disease. http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/publish/news/newsroom/10686

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Why is it important?

This work could lead to new treatments for cardiovascular diseases like PAD.

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