Vasculogenesis and Angiogenesis in Formation of the Human Retinal Vasculature

Abstract

Development of the human retinal vasculature takes place via two distinct cellular processes: angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. These processes are triggered by distinct molecular cues and proceed by distinct biological pathways, which offers the attractive possibility of using distinct inhibitory and stimulatory methods for intervention in retinal diseases. This chapter reviews what is known about human embryonic retinal development, focusing on the molecular, spatial, and temporal differences between vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.