How cells form the lifelines of organs

Arteries play a central role in blood circulation and control the transport of oxygen and nutrients between the organs. Defective arteries are involved in many disease states, such as stroke or heart attack. Nevertheless, surprisingly little is known on how arteries are formed. Research findings show that certain cells in the innermost vessel wall are significantly involved in the formation of the arterial network in growing blood vessels. These findings could be important for regeneration processes and improve our understanding of certain diseases.