Stromal cell-derived factor 1

Kaplan would nod partway.

Hypoxia absolutely changes signaling, but it may not be a pericyte marching in so much as a whole cascade, VEGF, SDF1, CXCR4, and so on.

Then Cook enters.

Don't forget nitric oxide.

It completely alters the local microenvironment rather than just acting as a tissue patch.

For instance, these menacees, they release exceptionally high levels of CXCL12.

Oh, right, the homing factor.

Yes.

CXCL12 diffuses into the surrounding tissue in the bloodstream, and it acts as a chemical beacon.

It actively recruits the body's own circulating repair cells, drawing them out of systemic circulation and bringing them directly to the site of the pudendal nerve injury.

So they act less like replacement bricks and more like a general contractor arriving at a disaster zone with a megaphone shouting orders to the local cellular workforce to rebuild the neighborhood.