Cristina Niculite

Dr. Cristina Niculite


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 May 2021 in Biomolecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EMEmilia Manole
Emilia Manole
CNCristina Niculite
Cristina Niculite
ILIoana Lambrescu
Ioana Lambrescu
GGGisela Gaina
Gisela Gaina
OIOctavian iOGHEN
Octavian iOGHEN
MHMihail Eugen Hinescu
Mihail Eugen Hinescu
Macrophages (MCs) are present in all tissues, not only supporting homeostasis, but also playing an important role in organogenesis, post-injury regeneration, and diseases. They are a heterogeneous cell population due to their origin, tissue specificity, and polarization in response to aggression factors, depending on environmental cues. Thus, as pro-inflammatory M1 phagocytic MCs, they contribute to tissue damage and even fibrosis, but the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype participates in repairing processes and wound healing through a molecular interplay with most cells in adult stem cell niches. In this review, we emphasize MC phenotypic heterogeneity in health and disease, highlighting their systemic and systematic contribution to tissue homeostasis and repair. Unraveling the intervention of both resident and migrated MCs on the behavior of stem cells and the regulation of the stem cell niche is crucial for opening new perspectives for novel therapeutic strategies in different diseases.