It is well known that the RAS (renin–angiotensin system) plays a key role in the modulation
of many functions in the body. AngII (angiotensin II) acting on AT1R (type 1 AngII receptor) …

Small G proteins exist in eukaryotes from yeast to human and constitute the Ras superfamily
comprising more than 100 members. This superfamily is structurally classified into five …

Cardiac outflow tract (OFT) is a major hotspot for congenital heart diseases. A thorough
understanding of the cellular diversity, transitions, and regulatory networks of normal OFT …

Cardiovascular function depends on patent blood vessel formation by endothelial cells
(ECs). However, the mechanisms underlying vascular" tubulogenesis" are only beginning to …

The Rho family of small GTPases has been shown to be required in endothelial cells (ECs)
during blood vessel formation. However, the underlying cellular events controlled by …

Rap1 is a small GTPase regulating cell–cell adhesion, cell–matrix adhesion, and actin
rearrangements, all processes dynamically coordinated during cell spreading and …

There is increasing evidence that the microcirculation plays an important role in the
pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Changes in retinal vascular caliber reflect early …

The ability to form and maintain a functional system of contiguous hollow tubes is a critical
feature of vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Lumen formation, or tubulogenesis, occurs in …

Highlights•GWAS suggest pathological inflammation is controlled by a small network of
genes.•Many chronic inflammatory/autoimmune risk alleles occur in regions of positive …

Abstract Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent an attractive avenue for
cellular therapies targeting degenerative diseases. MSC in vitro expansion is required in …