Mechanisms of Endothelial Regeneration and Vascular Repair and Their Application to Regenerative Medicine

Evans, Colin E.; Iruela-Arispe, M. Luisa; Zhao, You-Yang

Endothelial barrier integrity is required for maintaining vascular homeostasis and fluid balance between the circulation and surrounding tissues and for preventing the development of vascular disease. Despite comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways mediating endothelial injury, the regulatory mechanisms responsible for endothelial regeneration and vascular repair are incompletely understood and constitutes an emerging area of research. Endogenous and exogenous reparative mechanisms serve to reverse vascular damage and restore endothelial barrier function through regeneration of a functional endothelium and re-engagement of endothelial junctions. In this review, mechanisms that contribute to endothelial regeneration and vascular repair are described. These mechanisms could be targeted to improve outcome in diseases that are characterized by vascular injury such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, peripheral vascular disease, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Future studies to further improve current understanding of the mechanisms that control endothelial regeneration and vascular repair are also highlighted.