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Updated: May 26, 2026
09:45
Isolation and Profiling of Human Primary Mesenteric Arterial Endothelial Cells at the Transcriptome Level
Published on: March 14, 2022
Sex differences in endothelial cell biology: cellular phenotypes and molecular regulators
Alexandra Pislaru1, Tara L Haas1,2
1Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Frontiers in Physiology
|May 25, 2026
Summary
Male and female endothelial cells (EC) exhibit distinct physiological characteristics. Understanding these sex-specific differences is crucial for advancing vascular health and disease research.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Endothelial Cell Biology
- Sex Differences in Physiology
Background:
- Endothelial cells (EC) are vital for vascular homeostasis, regulating key processes like barrier integrity and angiogenesis.
- EC display significant heterogeneity influenced by local environments, but sex-based differences are increasingly recognized.
- EC physiology, including metabolism, signaling, and response to stress, varies between males and females.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on sex-dependent endothelial cell phenotypes.
- To explore how these differences vary by vascular location, age, and disease context.
- To discuss the underlying mechanisms driving sex-specific EC heterogeneity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on endothelial cell biology and sex differences.
- Synthesis of data on EC functional variations across different physiological and pathological states.
- Analysis of proposed molecular mechanisms, including hormonal, genetic, and epigenetic factors.
Main Results:
- Sex influences EC metabolic activity, nitric oxide signaling, angiogenic capacity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and senescence.
- These sex-specific phenotypes are modulated by vascular location, age, and disease.
- Complex interactions involving sex hormones, sex chromosomes, epigenetics, and transcription factors contribute to EC heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing sex-specific EC characteristics is essential for understanding vascular physiology and pathology.
- Sex-informed approaches are critical for developing precise therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases.
- Further research into the mechanisms of sex-dependent EC function will enhance our knowledge of vascular health and disease.
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