Perivascular stem cells (PSCs) have been isolated from several organs and tissues, including
adipose tissue. They have unique features resembling both pericytes and mesenchymal stem
cells (MSCs). PSCs as MSCs are capable to multilineage differentiation into neurons, astrocytes
and oligodendrocytes, as well as to produce angiogenic and neurotrophic factors, indicating their
regenerative and neuroprotective properties. It was recently shown that PSCs play an important
role in repairing of the nervous tissue during cerebral ischemia, as they can differentiate into
neurons, endothelial and glial cells in the hippocampal subgranular zone. In this connection,
recently PSCs have been considered as a potential alternative to MSCs for the treatment of
cardiovascular diseases. Here we review the recent literature and own data on PSCs, discuss
their unique features, regenerative potential and possible applications in cell therapy and tissue
engineering.