cells Review Endothelial Heterogeneity in Development and Wound Healing David B. Gurevich 1, Deena T. David 2 , Ananthalakshmy Sundararaman 2 and Jatin Patel 3,* 1 Department of Biology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, UK;
[email protected] 2 Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram 695014, India;
[email protected] (D.T.D.);
[email protected] (A.S.) 3 Cancer and Ageing Research Program, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4102, Australia * Correspondence:
[email protected]; Tel.: +61-7-34437000 Abstract: The vasculature is comprised of endothelial cells that are heterogeneous in nature. From tissue resident progenitors to mature differentiated endothelial cells, the diversity of these populations allows for the formation, maintenance, and regeneration of the vascular system in development and disease, particularly during situations of wound healing. Additionally, the de-differentiation and plasticity of different endothelial cells, especially their capacity to undergo endothelial to mesenchymal transition, has also garnered significant interest due to its implication in disease progression, with emphasis on scarring and fibrosis. In this review, we will pinpoint the seminal discoveries defining the phenotype and mechanisms of endothelial heterogeneity in development and disease, with a specific focus only on wound healing. Keywords: heterogeneity; endothelium; neovascularisation; angiogenesis; EndMT Citation: Gurevich, D.B.; David, D.T.; Sundararaman, A.; Patel, J. Endothelial Heterogeneity in Development and Wound Healing. 1. Introduction Cells 2021, 10, 2338. https://doi.org/ Establishment and maintenance of a functioning vascular network is essential for ini- 10.3390/cells10092338 tial embryonic development, as well as subsequent postnatal life, providing vital nutrients to tissues [1].