Applications
- Angiogenesis research
- Regenerative medicine research
- Oncology
Features
- Non-hematopoietic multipotent mesenchymal-like cells
- Important in angiogenesis
- Routinely characterized by flow cytometry
- Isolated from human placenta
Pericytes
Pericytes are multipotent mesenchymal-like cells found in association with small blood vessel walls. They are important for angiogenesis, the structural integrity of the microvasculature, and blood flow regulation. However, they can also develop into malignant tumors called hemangiopericytomas.
To date, pericytes have demonstrated the ability to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and phagocytes (macrophages).
Figure: Flow cytometric analysis of PromoCell Pericytes. > 98% of the cells are CD146+.