CD34⁺/M-cadherin⁺ bone marrow progenitor cells promote arteriogenesis in ischemic hindlimbs of ApoE⁻/⁻ mice.

Background Cell-based therapy shows promise in treating peripheral arterial disease (PAD); however, the optimal cell type and long-term efficacy are unknown. In this study, we identified a novel subpopulation of adult progenitor cells positive for CD34 and M-cadherin (CD34+/M-cad+ BMCs) in mouse and human bone marrow. We also examined the long-lasting therapeutic efficacy of mouse CD34+/M-cad+ BMCs in restoring blood flow and promoting vascularization in an atherosclerotic mouse model of PAD.