Vascular patterning: coordinated signals keep blood vessels on track

The vascular system is a complex, largely stereotyped network of interconnecting and branching vessels. How thousands of vessels form at precise locations is a key question regarding vascular morphogenesis. In order to achieve this defined architecture, the embryo integrates a multitude of attractive and repulsive cues to guide and shape the developing vasculature. This review summarizes recent studies investigating the interactions between endothelial cells and signals from surrounding tissues that pattern the initial blood vessel network.