Endothelium-microenvironment interactions in the developing embryo and in the adult.

The vascular endothelium is best known for its role in oxygen and nutrient delivery to the various tissues. Growing evidence supports a far more complex role in tissue homeostasis. In particular, reciprocal interactions between endothelial cells and the local microenvironment may regulate organ development and pattern formation. Such interactions appear to be important also in the adult, in normal and pathological conditions.