Role of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor in Stem/Progenitor Cell-Associated Neovascularization

Abstract

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) was first identified in retinal pigment epithelium cells. It is an endogenously produced protein that is widely expressed throughout the human body such as in the eyes, liver, heart, and adipose tissue; it exhibits multiple and varied biological activities. PEDF is a multifunctional protein with antiangiogenic, antitumorigenic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, neurotrophic, and neuroprotective properties. More recently, PEDF has been shown to be the most potent inhibitor of stem/progenitor cell-associated neovascularization. Neovascularization is a complex process regulated by a large, interacting network of molecules from stem/progenitor cells. PEDF is also involved in the pathogenesis of angiogenic eye disease, tumor growth, and cardiovascular disease. Novel antiangiogenic agents with tolerable side effects are desired for the treatment of patients with various diseases. Here, we review the value of PEDF as an important endogenous antiangiogenic molecule; we focus on the recently identified role of PEDF as a possible new target molecule to influence stem/progenitor cell-related neovascularization.

Characterization and Inflammatory Response of Perivascular-Resident Macrophage-Like Melanocytes in the Vestibular System

“…PVM/Ms in the intra-strial fluid–blood barrier affect membrane integrity by regulating synthesis of tight junction proteins, and loss of PVM/Ms is associated with tissue edema (Zhang et al 2012). PVM/Ms produce pigment epithelium growth factor, a 50-kDa glycoprotein first identified in retinal pigment epithelium cells (Liu et al 2012), which plays a role in the stria vascularis as an essential signaling molecule for stabilizing the intra-strial fluid–blood barrier and establishing a normal hearing threshold (Zhang et al 2012). The role of PVM/Ms in the blood barrier of the vestibular system may be similar to their role in the intra-strial fluid–blood barrier.…”

Endothelial Progenitor Cell Dysfunction in Cardiovascular Diseases: Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Inflammation

“…Endothelial dysfunction and injury are considered to be the first steps in atherogenesis [1–4]. Recent studies indicate that endothelial dysfunction and injury in the vascular wall are repaired by bone-marrow- (BM-) derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) [5].…”

Bee Venom Accelerates Wound Healing in Diabetic Mice by Suppressing Activating Transcription Factor‐3 (ATF‐3) and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS)‐Mediated Oxidative Stress and Recruiting Bone Marrow‐Derived Endothelial Progenitor Cells

“…Neovascularization, including angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, plays a significant role in skin maintenance and repair and relies on the participation and coordination of various cells, particularly endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and endothelial cells (ECs; Isner and Asahara, ). EPCs are a subpopulation of bone marrow cells that are mobilized into peripheral blood and are recruited to ischemic sites, where they differentiate in situ into mature ECs that participate in the neovascularization process (Liu et al, ; Lombardo et al, ). A previous study (O'Neill et al, ; Zentilin et al, ) demonstrated that specific EPC surface markers, such as CD34, CD133, and Flk‐1, are present on the cells participating in vasculogenesis.…”