Cross-talk of perivascular stem cells and homodynamics

Abstract

Mechanical strain in the vascular wall, owing to propagation of pulse wave, may inhibit the differentiation of perivascular stem cells directly and indirectly. The indirect inhibition involves the upregulation of transforming growth factor-beta and generation of piezoelectricity which act synergistically to inhibit stem cell differentiation. We hypothesized that upon injury these signals are attenuated or terminated leading to differentiation of perivascular stem cells to various elements of the injured tissue. é 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.