Endothelial cell heterogeneity and organ specificity.
Endothelial cells consist of a heterogeneous population covering the entire inner surface of blood vessels. This review will focus on the factors influencing this heterogeneity including: (1) morphological and functional differences between large and small vessels and between cells derived from various microvascular endothelial beds; (2) the microenvironment and extracellular matrix modulating the phenotype; (3) different response to growth factors; (4) organ specificity reflecting the cumulative expression of post-translation modifications and also the expression of unique genes under the control of organ-specific regulatory elements; and (5) pathological conditions, such as tumor growth, which is accompanied by the development of a characteristic tumor vasculature and tumors formed by endothelial cells.
Ribatti
Domenico
D
Department of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Policlinico, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, I-70124 Bari, Italy. ribatti@anatomia.uniba.it
Nico
Beatrice
B
Vacca
Angelo
A
Roncali
Luisa
L
Dammacco
Franco
F
D000818:Animals; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000502:physiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009928:Organ Specificity; D010641:Phenotype; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000032:analysis / Q000502:physiology
D016207:Cytokines; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface