@article{MAKHILLJAVA201211243890, title = {A Systematic Review of Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells}, journal = {Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances}, volume = {11}, number = {24}, pages = {4506-4513}, year = {2012}, issn = {1680-5593}, doi = {javaa.2012.4506.4513}, url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1680-5593&doi=javaa.2012.4506.4513}, author = {Lin-Sen,Zhi-Qiang,Da-Wei,Zhao-Xia and}, keywords = {Endothelial colony-forming cells,endothelial progenitor cells,neovascularization,hierarchy,expansion}, abstract = {Endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) may play a crucial role in postnatal vasculogenesis which contribute to the development of vascular biology. So far, there has not a consensus definition of EPCs. In 2004, Ingram developed a single-cell clonogenic assay and identified a unique cell population based on their proliferative potential in human umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood and named this cell population as Endothelial Colony-Forming Cells (ECFCs). Accumulating data suggest that ECFCs possess all the characteristics of EPCs including robust clonal proliferative capacity and the ability to form de novo blood vessels with a lumen in vivo and capillary-like tube in vitro. Therefore, ECFCs may be true EPCs and have been highly concerned as a superior type of cells to treat patients with vascular diseases. This review will focus on the characteristics, hierarchy, expansion, functions of ECFCs. Researchers attempt to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cells to promote the development of cell-based therapy for patients suffering from vascular diseases.} }