Title:Vasculogenesis: Making Pipes for the Cardiovascular Plumbing
VOLUME: 1 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Stryder M. Meadows and Ondine Cleaver
Affiliation:Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., NA8.300, Dallas, Texas 75390-9148, USA.
Keywords:Angioblasts, angiogenesis, blood vessel, cord, endothelial cell, lumen, vasculogenesis.
Abstract:Vasculogenesis is characterized by the emergence of angioblasts within the mesoderm and their coalescence
into primitive blood vessels, at or near the sites where they originate [1]. Although seemingly simple by definition, studies
throughout the years have revealed vasculogenesis to be a complex, multistep process, which is only beginning to be
understood at the molecular and cellular level. From specification, to migration, patterning, adhesion and tubulogenesis,
myriad signaling pathways and cellular responses must be coordinated to construct a cohesive, contiguous and functional
network of tubes to carry blood. Vasculogenesis is not only essential to embryonic blood vessel development, but it is also
plays a number of roles in adult pathologies. This review will discuss key steps during vasculogenesis and assess areas of
future research interest within the greater clinical context.
