Role of Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor in the Regulation of Angiogenic Properties of Sca1+ Vasculogenic Progenitor Cells

Neoangiogenesis is the key process determining myocardial regeneration after infarction. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) known to play an important role in regulation of endothelial cell function and postnatal angiogenesis. However, uPAR its involvement properties vascular progenitor cells remains poorly studied. Aim: evaluate expression on surface resident cardiac (rcVPCs) impact angiogenic vitro as well postinfarction vascularization. Materials Methods. We used immunofluorescent analysis cryosections a murine infarction model characterize vessels rcVPCs, evaluatedв potential vasculogenic using «tube assay» induction ofinducing differentiation specialized medium. Results. have found that majority Sca-1+ rcVPCs express urokinase markers their are capable proliferation integration into newly formed injured area, indicating possible thecontribution vascularization After acute ischemic injury, accumulation (8+2 27+7 per visual field, respectively; P = 0.032) processes (85+11 166+25 capillaries 0.033) were observed myocardium uPAR-/- animals, compared with wild-type animals. Our studies demonstrated rcVCPs derived from hearts reduced ability form capillary-like structures mice. Conclusion. Thus, deficiency may lead impaired rcVCPs, which likely due loss regulatory influence specific ligands interact signaling mediators such integrins. From viewpoint regenerative medicine, modulation activity can be considered targetpromising approach for targeted Highlight involved Sca1+ cells.