Sri Lankan Scientist Leads Discovery of Novel Cell Type with Therapeutic Potential.

In a significant advancement in vascular biology, Dr. Sanuri Liyanage, a Sri Lankan-born medical scientist at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), has co-led a team that identified a new cell type with profound implications for tissue repair and vascular health. This discovery, nearly a decade in the making, introduces, ‘EndoMac progenitors,’ cells that play a pivotal role in blood vessel formation following injury; a concept hypothesized over a century ago but only now confirmed.

EndoMac progenitor cells were discovered within the walls of the aorta in mice. These progenitor cells possess the unique ability to differentiate into two specific cell types: endothelial cells, which line blood vessels, and macrophages, a type of immune cell involved in tissue repair and defence. This dual potential enables EndoMac progenitors to contribute significantly to angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, particularly in response to tissue injury or ischemia (reduced blood flow).

Dr. Liyanage explains, “These cells have an important job, to help grow blood vessels when the body calls for it. They are activated by injury or poor blood flow, at which point they rapidly expand to aid in healing.”

This ground-breaking research was a collaborative effort involving several esteemed colleagues and professors. Dr. Anna Williamson, a biomedical scientist at SAHMRI, co-led the study alongside Dr. Liyanage. Their combined expertise was instrumental in isolating and characterizing the EndoMac progenitor cells.

Professor Peter Psaltis, Co-Director of the Vascular Research Centre at SAHMRI, provided critical insights into the cardiovascular implications of the findings. His extensive background in vascular biology and cardiology enriched the study's exploration of how these progenitor cells contribute to blood vessel formation and repair.

The identification of EndoMac progenitors opens new avenues in regenerative medicine and the treatment of vascular diseases. Their ability to form both endothelial cells and macrophages positions them as key players in tissue repair mechanisms. In experimental models, transplantation of these cells into diabetic mice with impaired wound healing resulted in accelerated recovery, highlighting their therapeutic potential.

Furthermore, understanding the role of EndoMac progenitors in vascular inflammation could lead to novel treatments for conditions like atherosclerosis, where blood vessel inflammation leads to arterial hardening, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. By modulating the activity of these progenitor cells, it may be possible to develop therapies that either promote their beneficial effects in tissue repair or inhibit their maladaptive roles in chronic inflammatory diseases.

The existence of such progenitor cells was first hypothesized over a century ago, with scientists suggesting that circulating stem cells could give rise to new macrophages and endothelial cells in adult tissues. However, definitive evidence remained elusive until now. This research not only confirms this long-standing hypothesis but also provides detailed insights into the origin, characteristics, and functions of these progenitor cells.

The study reveals that EndoMac progenitors originate from the extra-embryonic yolk sac during early development and persist into adulthood in various tissues in their undifferentiated form. Upon injury, they are activated to differentiate and contribute to tissue repair, embodying a critical component of the body's innate healing processes.

While the current research has been conducted in murine models, preliminary studies indicate the presence of similar progenitor cells in human tissues. The research team is optimistic about the translational potential of their findings, suggesting that harnessing these cells could revolutionize treatments for chronic wounds, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions involving tissue damage and impaired healing.

“In theory, this could become a game-changer for patients suffering from chronic wounds. We're excited to continue exploring the potential of these cells. It's early days, but the implications could be massive,” says Dr. Liyanage.

Dr. Liyanage's achievement brings pride to Sri Lanka, highlighting the contributions of Sri Lankan scientists to global medical advancement. Her dedication and perseverance exemplify the potential of researchers from the region to make significant impacts on the international stage.

The discovery of EndoMac progenitor cells marks a significant milestone in our understanding of vascular biology and tissue repair mechanisms. This breakthrough not only confirms a century-old scientific hypothesis but also opens new pathways for developing innovative therapies for a range of vascular and inflammatory diseases. As research progresses, the potential applications of these findings could lead to transformative changes in medical treatments, improving outcomes for patients worldwide.

The collaborative efforts of Dr. Liyanage, Dr. Williamson, and Professor Psaltis, and their team stand as a testament to the importance of persistent scientific inquiry and the global nature of medical research, where discoveries in one part of the world can have far-reaching implications for health and disease management across the globe.