Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in 
the developed countries. This review summarizes current pre-clinical and 
clinical evidence for the potential role and mechanisms of action of stem and 
progenitor cells in vascular and cardiac repair and regeneration. Apart from 
cell transplantation strategies, approaches to maintain stem cell niche function 
and targeting mobilization/recruitment of specific stem/progenitor cell 
populations may aid in preserving vascular and cardiac function. Moreover, with 
the use of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, the field of 
regenerative medicine is entering a new era. Potential applications of induced 
pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogrammed cells as well as recent 
developments in tissue engineering are discussed.