New Insights into Endothelial Cell Phenotypes: Formation, Pathogenesis and Regeneration

Endothelial cells in the vasculature have a diverse group of phenotypes that play a central role in development, organ-specific function, disease progression and tissue repair. A better understanding of how these phenotypes are formed and maintained is important in regenerative medicine. This GRC will bring together leading researchers from a variety of disciplines with shared interests in the endothelium, and provide new insights and perspectives at the forefront of the field. Topics will include: endothelial origins and multi-potentiality; vascular morphogenesis; organ-specific phenotypes and lymphatics; vascular signaling; stem cell niche properties of vessels; neurovascular interactions; tumor angiogenesis; and regenerative medicine. Attendees will have the opportunity to establish new collaborations and research directions while gaining exposure to cutting edge research in the field of endothelial cell biology. All attendees are encouraged to submit an abstract for poster presentation, and several "late-breaking topic" abstracts will be selected for oral presentation during the main program. Applicants will be accepted from a diverse mix of established investigators, junior PIs, postdocs and graduate students. A focus on how distinct endothelial cell phenotypes are formed and maintained, and how those insights inform regenerative medicine, are unique to this GRC.