title: Regulation of tissue morphogenesis by endothelial cell-derived signals.
abstract: Endothelial cells (ECs) form an extensive network of blood vessels that has numerous essential functions in the vertebrate body. In addition to their well-established role as a versatile transport network, blood vessels can induce organ formation or direct growth and differentiation processes by providing signals in a paracrine (angiocrine) fashion. Tissue repair also requires the local restoration of vasculature. ECs are emerging as important signaling centers that coordinate regeneration and help to prevent deregulated, disease-promoting processes. Vascular cells are also part of stem cell niches and have key roles in hematopoiesis, bone formation, and neurogenesis. Here, we review these newly identified roles of ECs in the regulation of organ morphogenesis, maintenance, and regeneration.
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, University of Münster, Faculty of Medicine, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Saravana K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Ramasamy
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, University of Münster, Faculty of Medicine, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
authors.forename: Anjali P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Kusumbe
authors.affiliation: Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Tissue Morphogenesis, University of Münster, Faculty of Medicine, D-48149 Münster, Germany. Electronic address: ralf.adams@mpi-muenster.mpg.de.
authors.forename: Ralf H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Adams
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology; D006410:Hematopoiesis; D006801:Humans; D009024:Morphogenesis; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D015398:Signal Transduction; D055153:Stem Cell Niche
keywords: angiocrine signaling; angiogenesis; bone marrow; endothelial cells; liver; lung; organ morphogenesis; vascular niche