Discovery of a new progenitor cell type highlights potential for regenerative wound healing
Researchers have discovered a new type of progenitor cell in blood vessels that can differentiate into two different cell types, offering a significant potential for regenerative wound healing applications.
A nine-year collaborative project involving teams from the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), The University of Adelaide (both Adelaide, Australia), Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and La Trobe University (both Melbourne, Australia) has recently culminated in the discovery of a new type of progenitor cell. In this study, the researchers demonstrated that these cells display a strong capacity for tissue regeneration and repair, presenting a new approach for treating chronic wounds.
Progenitor cells are the direct descendants of stem cells that act as an intermediate step before differentiation into a given cell type. Unlike stem cells, which can become any adult cell type, progenitor cells can generally only differentiate into a subset of specific cell type. However, researchers have long since hypothesized the existence of progenitor cells in the vascular system that can differentiate into endothelial and immune cells. Until now, the discovery of such cells has remained elusive, but the Australian research team, led by Peter Psaltis, has finally identified them in the outer layer of aortas in mice.
Researchers reveal how DNA methylation can reprogram astrocytes into neural stem cells
A recent study has demonstrated that astrocytes can be reprogrammed into neural stem cells, offering new therapeutic prospects for neural diseases such as stroke.
These endothelial-macrophage progenitor cells, which the researchers have termed EndoMac progenitors, are capable of differentiating into endothelial cells that form blood vessels, as well as macrophages involved in immune response and tissue repair – essential tools for regenerative wound healing. At sites of injury and poor blood flow, EndoMac progenitor cells rapidly proliferate to contribute to healing and blood vessel regeneration. Importantly, EndoMac progenitor cells also lack the typical markers that cells have for self-recognition, meaning they could theoretically be used for transplantation without risk of rejection.
To assess their chronic wound healing and regeneration capabilities, the researchers isolated and cultured groups of EndoMac progenitor cells and administered them to chronic wounds in diabetic mice. Within days, they observed significant wound healing in the mice that received the cells compared to the control groups.
“In theory, this could become a game-changer for patients suffering from chronic wounds,” explained co-author Sanuri Liyange (SAHMRI and The University of Adelaide). “This represents a significant advancement in our understanding of blood vessel regeneration and holds promise for creating more effective treatments that support the body’s capacity to heal and maintain function over time.”
Over the course of the coming year, the team will be investigating whether similar cells are present in skin and muscle cells, in the hopes of unlocking potential treatments for a range of diseases.
