Stem Cell Based Approaches to Modulate the Matrix Milieu in Vascular Disorders

• Published in: Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine Vol. 9; p. 879977
• Main Authors: S, Sajeesh, Dahal, Shataakshi, Bastola, Suraj, Dayal, Simran, Yau, Jimmy, Ramamurthi, Anand
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Frontiers Media S.A 15-06-2022
• Subjects: cardiovascular; Cardiovascular Medicine; collagen; ECM; elastin; exosomes; regenerative repair; collagen; regenerative repair; cardiovascular; elastin; exosomes; ECM
• ISSN: 2297-055X; 2297-055X
• DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.879977

The extracellular matrix (ECM) represents a complex and dynamic framework for cells, characterized by tissue-specific biophysical, mechanical, and biochemical properties. ECM components in vascular tissues provide structural support to vascular cells and modulate their function through interaction with specific cell-surface receptors. ECM-cell interactions, together with neurotransmitters, cytokines, hormones and mechanical forces imposed by blood flow, modulate the structural organization of the vascular wall. Changes in the ECM microenvironment, as in post-injury degradation or remodeling, lead to both altered tissue function and exacerbation of vascular pathologies. Regeneration and repair of the ECM are thus critical toward reinstating vascular homeostasis. The self-renewal and transdifferentiating potential of stem cells (SCs) into other cell lineages represents a potentially useful approach in regenerative medicine, and SC-based approaches hold great promise in the development of novel therapeutics toward ECM repair. Certain adult SCs, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), possess a broader plasticity and differentiation potential, and thus represent a viable option for SC-based therapeutics. However, there are significant challenges to SC therapies including, but not limited to cell processing and scaleup, quality control, phenotypic integrity in a disease milieu
, and inefficient delivery to the site of tissue injury. SC-derived or -inspired strategies as a putative surrogate for conventional cell therapy are thus gaining momentum. In this article, we review current knowledge on the patho-mechanistic roles of ECM components in common vascular disorders and the prospects of developing adult SC based/inspired therapies to modulate the vascular tissue environment and reinstate vessel homeostasis in these disorders.