ObjectiveTo review the current progresses in purification strategies, biological characters, and the uses in tissue engineering of urine-derived stem cells (USCs). MethodsRecent relevant publications on the USCs were extensively reviewed, analyzed, and summarized. ResultsUSCs, usually isolated by adherence screening method, are a population of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-like somatic stem cells possessing robust self-renew and multi-potential differentiation ability. Combined with using appropriate biomaterials and biological molecules, USCs can be used as a good cell source for tissue engineering. ConclusionAn alluring prospect exists on the USCs-related research. Further studies are required to investigate the origin, individual differences, and the therapeutic values of USCs.
ObjectiveTo review the current progresses in purification strategies, biological characters, and functions of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) (EPC-EVs). MethodsRecent relevant publications on the EPC-EVs were extensively reviewed, analyzed, and summarized. ResultsEPC-EVs are usually isolated by differential centrifugation and exhibit a homogenous pattern of spheroid particles with a diameter ranging from 60 to 160 nm under transmission electron microscopy. EPC-EVs are positive for cell-surface markers of EPCs (CD31, CD34, and CD133), and negative for markers of platelets (P-selectin and CD42b) and monocytes (CD14). Recent studies have shown the effectiveness of EPC-EVs in ischemic injuries, anti-Thy1 glomerulonephritis, and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, and also shown their predictive role in cardio-cerebral-vascular diseases. ConclusionAn alluring prospect exists on the EPC-EVs-related research. Further studies are required to decipher the composition of EPC-EVs and their precise role in pathophysiological processes, and to investigate the molecular mechanisms for their targeting and function.