MEANS AND METHODS FOR THE RECRUITMENT AND IDENTIFICATION OF STEM CELLS

摘要

The present invention relates to new methods of modulating stem/progenitor cell recruitment and is based on the discovery that molecules that agonize the formation of plasmin can stimulate the recruitement of stem/progenitor cells, including hematopoietic and endothelial precursor cells. Conversely, antagonists of plasmin can inhibit recruitment of said stem cells. In addition, the identification of the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a retention signal for stem cells in their niche suggests a novel method for increased engraftment and isolation of multipotent stem cells.