The Gordon Research Conference on Vascular Cell Biology will focus on how behavior and interactions of endothelial, smooth muscle and hematopoietic cells shape the development, function and pathogenesis of the vascular system. Tissue morphogenesis and function is ultimately determined by cell phenotypes and communication between the cells. The vascular system provides an especially attractive and clinically relevant system for elucidating these interactions and recent years have seen rapid progress toward this goal. Topics will include: embryonic development and molecules that govern patterning of the vascular system; mechanisms of communication between cells in the vascular wall; mechanotransduction in vascular morphogenesis and disease; new intracellular signaling pathways; and vascular permeability and maintenance. The meeting will bring together speakers, discussants and participants that represent a wide range of disciplines, approaches and systems. An important component of the schedule is that each session will include short talks from young scientists who will be chosen from submitted abstracts. The small size of the conference and the informal atmosphere will facilitate discussion and interactions. Major advances in our understanding of regulatory mechanisms in vascular biology, especially new insights into cell-cell communication and vascular disturbances in various diseases make this a particularly timely meeting.