A heterogeneity of endothelial cells

Endothelial cells (ECs), which are located in the blood vessel lumen, have a lot of important functions necessary for normal functioning of the body. This review summarizes information about the formation of endothelial cells in the ontogenesis of arterial, venous and lymphatic differentiation and further specialization, depending on the cellular microenvironment of a particular organ or tissue. Understanding the differences in morphology, ultrastructure, gene expression and function of various subpopulations of endothelial cells may be of therapeutic relevance for regenerative medicine, cell therapy of endothelial dysfunctions and ischemic revascularization.