Figure 1

Differentiation and function of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC). BM-derived EPCs are of hematopoietic origin and possibly derive from the hemangioblast, which is also hematopoietic precursor to generate hematopoietic cells. The growth factors such as vascular endothelium growth factor differentiate hemangioblast to angioblast, EPC and finally to endothelia cells. These cells are involved in the tumor angiogenesis, ischemic lesions and tissue damage and repair.