What can pericytes differentiate into?

Pericytes have been shown to possess multilineage differentiation potential. Depending on the experimental context and microenvironment, they can differentiate into a variety of mesenchymal and vascular cell types, including:

• Preadipocytes
• Osteoblasts
• Chondroblasts/chondrocytes
• Fibroblasts/myofibroblasts
• Vascular smooth muscle cells
• Phagocytic cells

This differentiation plasticity highlights the role of pericytes as multipotent progenitor‑like cells involved in tissue remodeling, regeneration, and vascular biology.
 
Further information:
Diaz‑Flores et al.; Histol Histopathol 2009 Jul;24(7):909