| Popis: |
Endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) therapy has emerged as a promising treatment in cardiac regeneration. EPCs are capable of promoting neovascularization within ischemic tissues, but past studies have had limited success in vivo due to the poor retention and survival of cells within the injured area. In addition, the environment into which the cells are being transplanted may negatively influence the therapeutic potential of the transplanted cells. To overcome these hurdles, various biomaterials are being engineered to include a variety of proteins and peptides to increase cellular adhesion, survival and angiogenesis. This chapter will describe how such strategies are expected to enhance EPCs, and their ability to promote cardiac repair and regeneration. |
