Mesenchymal Stem and Progenitor Cells in Regeneration: Tissue Specificity and Regenerative Potential

Figure 1

(a) MSC and ECFC collaborate to form stable, perfused, and functional vessels in vivo. The inner layer of the vessel is established by ECFC (grey), whereas MSC (yellow) form the outer layer of neovessel to support the stability and functionality of the vasculature. (b) Unstable vessel. In the absence of mesenchymal stem cells, the inner layer of the neovessel raptures due to the lack of pericytes which play a crucial role for maintenance of vasculature stability in vivo.

(a)

(b)