▪ Abstract Regulated assembly of a highly specialized interconnecting network of vascular
endothelial and supportive cells is fundamental to embryonic development and
organogenesis, as well as to postnatal tissue repair in metazoans. This review advances an
“endotheliocentric” model that defines tasks required of endothelial cells and describes
molecular controls that regulate steps in activation, assembly, and maturation of new
vessels. In addition to the classical assembly mechanisms—angiogenesis and …