Differentiation of circulating endothelial progenitor cells induced by shear stress

Endothelial cells have the ability of cell division and migration not only in embryos but also in adult life. When part of the endothelium is injured and detached, neighboring endothelial cells proliferate, migrate, and cover the exposed surface. In addition endothelial cells always regenerate and new blood vessels are made in hypoxic lesions. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are also demonstrated to play an important role in vascular regeneration [1]. EPCs are mobilized from bone marrow to peripheral blood, attach to existing endothelial cells in nearby hypoxic lesions, transmigrate into tissue, proliferate, differentiate, secrete angiogenic factors, and induce neovascularization.