Development and pathologies of the arterial wall.
Arteries consist of an inner single layer of endothelial cells surrounded by layers of smooth muscle and an outer adventitia. The majority of vascular developmental studies focus on the construction of endothelial networks through the process of angiogenesis. Although many devastating vascular diseases involve abnormalities in components of the smooth muscle and adventitia (i.e., the vascular wall), the morphogenesis of these layers has received relatively less attention. Here, we briefly review key elements underlying endothelial layer formation and then focus on vascular wall development, specifically on smooth muscle cell origins and differentiation, patterning of the vascular wall, and the role of extracellular matrix and adventitial progenitor cells. Finally, we discuss select human diseases characterized by marked vascular wall abnormalities. We propose that continuing to apply approaches from developmental biology to the study of vascular disease will stimulate important advancements in elucidating disease mechanism and devising novel therapeutic strategies.
Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George St., Rm 773J, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
Sara B
SB
Seidelmann
Janet K
JK
Lighthouse
Daniel M
DM
Greif
D042501:Angiogenic Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D019070:Cell Lineage / Q000235:genetics; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000235:genetics*; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D032389:Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic
D042501:Angiogenic Proteins