Circulating mouse Flk1+/c-Kit+/CD45- cells function as endothelial progenitors cells (EPCs) and stimulate the growth of human tumor xenografts.

Background Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been demonstrated to have stem-cell like as well as mature endothelial functions. However, controversy remains as to their origins, immunophenotypic markings, and contribution to the tumor vascular network and tumor survival.