Morphology regulation in vascular endothelial cells

Morphological change in endothelial cells is an initial and crucial step in the process of establishing a functional vascular network. Following or associated with differentiation and proliferation, endothelial cells elongate and assemble into linear cord-like vessels, subsequently forming a perfusable vascular tube. In vivo and in vitro studies have begun to outline the underlying genetic and signaling mechanisms behind endothelial cell morphology regulation. This review focuses on the transcription factors and signaling pathways regulating endothelial cell behavior, involved in morphology, during vascular development.

the mechanisms modulating endothelial cell morphological change are not well understood compared with endothelial cell differentiation or proliferation. This may be due to the intricate behaviors of endothelial cells and the diverse roles played by angiogenic factors. Accurately classifying endothelial cell events during vascular development is difficult, as events occur in spatially and temporally similar or related contexts. Furthermore, as described in the literature, relevant factors and signaling molecules frequently have overlapping functions or associated interactions. Consequently, it may be even more important to investigate and reveal specific molecules or mechanisms associated with endothelial cell morphological change.

Emphasis added