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 recruitment of stem/progenitor cells, including hematopoietic andendothelial precursor cells. Conversely, antagonists of plasmin can inhibit recruitment of said stem cells. In addition, the identification of the uPA 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.