title: Signaling pathways in the specification of arteries and veins.
abstract: The establishment of arterial and venous identity of endothelial cells is critical for the proper anatomic configuration and function of the vascular tree. Arterial and venous specification of endothelial cells is determined by genetic factors, although surrounding cells and hemodynamic forces may also contribute to vascular remodeling. This review provides an overview of the signaling pathways and related transcription factors implicated in differentiation of endothelial cells. We will discuss, in particular, the role of upstream and downstream effectors of Wnt, Sox, and Notch pathways. The understanding of the molecular mechanisms that orchestrate endothelial differentiation may have therapeutic relevance for diseases such as atherosclerosis, arteriovenous malformations, aneurysms, and others.
authors.affiliation: From the IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy (M.C., M.F.M., E.D.); and Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.D.).
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corada
authors.affiliation: From the IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy (M.C., M.F.M., E.D.); and Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.D.).
authors.forename: Marco Francesco
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Morini
authors.affiliation: From the IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy (M.C., M.F.M., E.D.); and Department of Biosciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.D.). elisabetta.dejana@ifom.eu.
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dejana
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001158:Arteries / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000502:physiology*; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D051880:Receptors, Notch / Q000502:physiology; D055747:SOX Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D066253:Vascular Remodeling / Q000502:physiology; D014680:Veins / Q000502:physiology*; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D051880:Receptors, Notch; D055747:SOX Transcription Factors; D051153:Wnt Proteins
keywords: endothelial cells