Signaling Pathways in Vascular Development

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Abstract
▪ Abstract The vasculature is one of the most important and complex organs in the mammalian body. The first functional organ to form during embryonic development, the intricately branched network of endothelial and supporting periendothelial cells is essential for the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to and the removal of waste products from the tissues. Serious disruptions in the formation of the vascular network are lethal early in post-implantation development, while the maintenance of vessel integrity and the control of vessel physiology and hemodynamics have important consequences throughout embryonic and adult life. A full understanding of the signaling pathways of vascular development is important not just for understanding normal development but because of the importance of reactivation of angiogenic pathways in disease states. Clinically there is a need to develop therapies to promote new blood vessel formation in situations of severe tissue ischemia, such as coronary heart disease. In addi...