Vasculogenesis: Making Pipes for the Cardiovascular Plumbing

Vasculogenesis is characterized by the emergence of angioblasts within the mesoderm and their coalescence into primitive blood vessels, at or near the sites where they originate [1]. Although seemingly simple by definition, studies throughout the years have revealed vasculogenesis to be a complex, multistep process, which is only beginning to be understood at the molecular and cellular level. From specification, to migration, patterning, adhesion and tubulogenesis, myriad signaling pathways and cellular responses must be coordinated to construct a cohesive, contiguous and functional network of tubes to carry blood. Vasculogenesis is not only essential to embryonic blood vessel development, but it is also plays a number of roles in adult pathologies. This review will discuss key steps during vasculogenesis and assess areas of future research interest within the greater clinical context.