Abstract:

Multicellular organisms maintain their total cellular mass by replenishing the cells that are continually losing during their lifespan, through a process referred to as “dynamic equilibrium”. Somatic stem cells contribute to this cell replenishment and are indispensable for multicellular organisms. Existence of multipotent pericytes (MPCs) implies that microvasculature plays a role not only as ducts for blood, but also as a reservoir niche for somatic stem cells. Although the research field of microvasculature is gaining much attention for their potential importance in biological science and clinical application, the lack of an appropriate marker for MPCs impedes our understanding of their pathophysiological roles. In this lecture, we will present talk about our recent findings, a new population of MPCs, capillary-stem cells, and Ninjurin1, molecule regulating their function, and talk about issue facing current condition and future perspectives in this research field.

References:

1. Kawabe J. EphA7+ multipotent pericytes and their roles in multicellular organisms. Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. 2021;68:189-201.

2. Kawabe J and Hasebe N. Role of the vasa vasorum and vascular resident stem cells in atherosclerosis. BioMed research international. 2014;2014:701571.

3. 川辺淳一 毛細血管に秘める多分化能ペリサイト 医学のあゆみ, 264 (10), 909-, 2018