Rat Endothelial Progenitor Cells-Immortalized by SV40T Antigens

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are precursor cells to vascular endothelial cells. Under stimulation from physiological or pathological factors, they can be mobilized from the bone marrow into peripheral blood to participate in the repair of damaged blood vessels. Endothelial progenitor cells possess migratory properties and can further proliferate and differentiate into immature endothelial cells. They lack the characteristic phenotype of mature endothelial cells and cannot form lumen-like structures. Their primary function is to participate in postnatal angiogenesis in ischemic tissues and the repair of vascular injury. Rat endothelial progenitor cells were immortalized through lentiviral transfection carrying the SV40 gene (these cells acquire puromycin resistance after transfection).