Paracrine/endocrine mechanism of stem cells on kidney repair: role of microvesicle-mediated transfer of genetic information.

Purpose Of Review: The mechanism of stem cell-induced kidney repair remains controversial. Engraftment of bone marrow-derived stem cells is considered a rare event and several studies point to paracrine/endocrine processes. This review focuses on microvesicle-mediated transfer of genetic information between stem cells and injured tissue as a paracrine/endocrine mechanism.

Characterization of molecular and functional alterations of tumor endothelial cells to design anti-angiogenic strategies.

The neo-angiogenesis process is crucial for solid tumor growth and invasion, as the vasculature provides metabolic support and access to the circulation. Tumor blood vessels differ from normal vessels by altered morphology, blood flow and permeability, and the "switch" of endothelial cells to an angiogenic phenotype is considered a hallmark of the malignant process. Recent evidence indicates that tumor-derived endothelial cells (TEC) possess a distinct and unique phenotype differing from normal endothelial cells at the molecular and functional levels.