Origin and functional implication of coronary endothelium heterogeneity in development and post-injury adaption (B06)

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The question, whether and how the developmental ontogeny of a given cell influences its functional capacity and potential plasticity when it reaches its destination is of broad medical interest. This proposal aims to address this question in the coronary vasculature that develops as a mosaic of cells from different tissue sources and is exposed to profound physical and metabolic challenges that require adaptations in organ control throughout life. We will map the origins of coronary endothelial heterogeneity, establish their spatial and temporal distribution pattern in the maturing coronary vasculature and identify their genetic profiles as well as possible transitions in adulthood. We will determine whether and how endothelial cells of different developmental origin show divergent angiogenic capacity and plasticity in response to post-injury reactivation.