[Differentiation of cultural endothelial cells]

The disparity of function and ultrastructural characteristics between cells in vivo and cultural cells in vitro has been attributed to the differentiation of cells, so differentiation is the key to detecting the differences between endothelial cells (ECs). The ECs are widely distributed over the entire inner surface of blood vessels in the body and exhibit noticeable heterogeneity. The cultural ECs also show heterogeneity. This is a literature review focusing on the recent advance in researches on the embryonic origin of ECs, the heterogeneity of ECs and the factors that influence differentiation of ECs. Also described is the prospect of studies aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in the differentiation of ECs. It is hoped that future studies will enhance the realization of oriented differentiation of ECs.