Endothelial lineage differentiation

Endothelial lineage differentiation is the process by which progenitor or stem cells (such as mesodermal cells or induced pluripotent stem cells) commit to, and acquire, an endothelial cell fate, acquiring markers and functions characteristic of endothelial cells that line the blood and lymphatic vessels[3][4][5][7]. This process is governed by a combination of transcription factors (such as ETS variant 2/Etv2), extracellular signals (notably vascular endothelial growth factor A/VEGFA), and sequential activation of genetic programs[3][4][5][6][7]. Endothelial differentiation is essential for vasculogenesis (initial vessel formation in the embryo) and angiogenesis (expansion/remodeling of the vascular system)[5][6]. Dysregulation or abnormal differentiation can contribute to diseases such as cardiovascular defects and cancer[6].

Other names

Endothelial differentiationEndothelial cell lineage specificationEC differentiationDifferentiation to endothelial cell