Vasculogenesis and Angiogenesis

Abstract Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are the fundamental processes by which new blood vessels are formed. Vasculogenesis is defined as the differentiation of endothelial precursor cells, or angioblasts, into endothelial cells and the de novo formation of a primitive vascular network. Angiogenesis refers to the growth of new capillaries (new blood vessels that lack a fully developed tunica media) from preexisting blood vessels either via sprouting or intussusception. This chapter will provide a detailed overview of the current understanding of the cellular and molecular biology of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis including the role of various pro- and antiangiogenic factors, extracellular matrix components, cell–cell adhesion molecules, and apoptosis factors. Finally, we will summarize data from clinical trials of therapeutic angiogenesis for ischemic heart disease and identify some of the current challenges in this field.