Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, EC progenitors can be used in a method for regulating angiogenesis, i.e., enhancing or inhibiting blood vessel formation, in a selected patient and in some preferred embodiments for targeting specific locations. For example, the EC progenitors can be used to enhance angiogenesis or to deliver an angiogenesis modulator, e.g. anti- or pro-angiogenic agents, respectively to sites of pathologic or utilitarian angiogenesis. Additionally, in another embodiment, EC progenitors can be used to induce reendothelialization of an injured blood vessel, and thus reduce restenosis by indirectly inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, EC progenitors can be used in a method for regulating angiogenesis, i.e., enhancing or inhibiting blood vessel formation, in a selected patient and in some preferred embodiments for targeting specific locations. For example, the EC progenitors can be used to enhance angiogenesis or to deliver an angiogenesis modulator, e.g. anti- or pro-angiogenic agents, respectively to sites of pathologic or utilitarian angiogenesis. Additionally, in another embodiment, EC progenitors can be used to induce reendothelialization of an injured blood vessel, and thus reduce restenosis by indirectly inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, EC progenitors can be used in a method for regulating angiogenesis, i.e., enhancing or inhibiting blood vessel formation, in a selected patient and in some preferred embodiments for targeting specific locations. For example, the EC progenitors can be used to enhance angiogenesis or to deliver an angiogenesis modulator, e.g. anti- or pro-angiogenic agents, respectively to sites of pathologic or utilitarian angiogenesis. Additionally, in another embodiment, EC progenitors can be used to induce reendothelialization of an injured blood vessel, and thus reduce restenosis by indirectly inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods for preventing or treating tissue ischemia using CXCR4 antagonists. In one embodiment, the methods include administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a particular bicylic polyamine to elevate peripheral blood EPCs. The invention has a wide spectrum of applications including reducing or eliminating tissue ishemica associated with a myocardial infarct (heart attack).

Abstract: The present invention generally provides compositions and methods for modulating formation of new blood vessels. The invention has a wide spectrum of applications including use to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, EC progenitors can be used in a method for regulating angiogenesis, i.e., enhancing or inhibiting blood vessel formation, in a selected patient and in some preferred embodiments for targetting specific locations. For example, the EC progenitors can be used to enhance angiogenesis or to deliver an angiogenesis modulator, e.g. anti- or pro-angiogenic agents, respectively to sites of pathologic or utilitarian angiogenesis. Additionally, in another embodiment, EC progenitors can be used to induce reendothelialization of an injured blood vessel, and thus reduce restenosis by indirectly inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for determining the bioactivity of a plasmid encoding for an endothelial cell mitogen. The invention also provides a method to optimize a plasmid construct for use in a gene therapy procedure. Further, the invention provides a quantitative quality control assay for evaluating a batch of plasmid DNA prior to use in a gene therapy treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for promoting the growth of new lymph vessels (lymphangiogenesis). Generally, such methods include administering at least one vascular endothelian factor (VEGF) such as VEGF-2. In one embodiment, therapeutic methods for treating lymphedema and related disorders in a human patient are disclosed. The VEGF can be provided by any suitable means including direct injection of a nucleic acid encoding same or an active fragment thereof. Also provided are pharmaceutical products for promoting lymphangiogenesis as well as a test system for screening compounds capable of inducing new lymph vessel growth.