Abstract
This chapter demonstrates how functional blood and lymphatic vessels form in the embryo and the adult from vascular stem/progenitor cells, and how this knowledge has contributed to the emergence of several stem/progenitor cell-based approaches to stimulate vessel growth in preclinical and clinical settings. Nearly all tissues in higher vertebrates are supplied by and dependent on two largely separated but functionally complementary vascular circuits, one carrying blood cells for oxygen and nutrient delivery and the other recirculating immune cells and extravasated tissue fluid or lymph. Not surprisingly, developmental defects in either of these important systems are usually incompatible with life or cause severe morbidity. In addition, the dysfunction or lack of blood or lymphatic vessels in later life underlies numerous life-threatening diseases, such as ischemic disorders and lymphedema. Therefore, unraveling the cellular and molecular players in the formation of both vascular systems is invaluable for designing therapeutic interventions to correct blood or lymphatic vessel defects.
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