Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are specialized stem cells involved in vascular repair and angiogenesis. They possess some key features that distinguish them and make them critical cells in both vascular biology and regenerative medicine. EPCs are derived from bone marrow and peripheral blood although they can also be found in other tissues, including the umbilical cord and adipose tissue. At the cellular level, EPCs are characterized by the expression of specific cell surface markers like CD34, CD133, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), which distinguish them from mature endothelial cells and other cell types. EPCs play a central role in angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels form from existing ones. They migrate to sites of tissue injury or ischemia and contribute there to the formation of functional blood vessels. In the context of EPC recruitment, injured or ischemic tissues release specific chemokines and growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1), and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). These molecules act as chemoattractants, guiding EPCs towards the injured site. This is crucial for tissue repair, wound healing, and the development of collateral vessels to improve blood flow in ischemic conditions. Endothelial cells at the site of injury express adhesion molecules like selectins, integrins, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). These molecules facilitate the attachment and rolling of EPCs on the endothelial surface, allowing them to adhere to the injured area. EPCs can also interact with pericytes and smooth muscle cells surrounding blood vessels, with these interactions helping EPCs to navigate the vascular wall to reach the site of injury. EPCs are capable of vasculogenesis, the de novo formation of blood vessels. They can differentiate into mature endothelial cells, thereby contributing to the structural components of blood vessels. This property is particularly important during embryonic development and tissue regeneration. EPCs also secrete a range of growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). These paracrine factors stimulate the proliferation and migration of other endothelial cells, promoting blood vessel growth and repair. EPCs can also incorporate into existing blood vessels, contributing to endothelial repair and regeneration. They align themselves with the vascular endothelium and form tight junctions, ultimately improving the structural integrity of blood vessels. EPCs are particularly relevant in ischemic diseases, such as peripheral artery disease and myocardial infarction. In these situations, they mobilize from the bone marrow to ischemic tissues, aiding in the recovery of blood supply and tissue healing. Due to their angiogenic and vasculogenic capabilities, EPCs have gained interest for potential therapeutic applications. They are being explored in regenerative medicine for treating conditions like ischemic heart disease, diabetic neuropathy, and critical limb ischemia. Whilst EPCs hold promise, their clinical utility faces challenges including limited availability and heterogeneity amongst EPC populations, with different isolation and characterization methods leading to variations in EPC function and therapeutic potential. We provide a wide product range of research reagents for studying endothelial progenitors, including CD34 antibodies, CD14 antibodies, Von Willebrand Factor antibodies, CD105 ELISA Kits, and Thrombomodulin ELISA Kits. Explore our full endothelial progenitors product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Endothelial Markers product range.