Early developmental programming involves extensive cell lineage diversification through shared molecular signaling networks. Clinical observations of congenital heart disease (CHD) patients carrying genetic variants revealed correlations with multi-organ impairments at the developmental and functional levels. For example, many CHD patients present with glomerulosclerosis, periglomerular fibrosis, and albuminuria.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn the human body, the vascular system plays an indispensable role in maintaining homeostasis by supplying oxygen and nutrients to cells and organs and facilitating the removal of metabolic waste and toxins. Blood vessels-the key constituents of the vascular system-are composed of a layer of endothelial cells on their luminal surface. In most organs, tightly packed endothelial cells serve as a barrier separating blood and lymph from surrounding tissues.
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