Directing human embryonic stem cells to generate vascular progenitor cells

Pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) differentiate into most of the cell types of the adult human body, including vascular cells. Vascular cells, such as endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are significant contributors to tissue repair and regeneration. In addition to their potential applications for treatment of vascular diseases and stimulation of ischemic tissue growth, it is also possible that endothelial cells and SMCs derived from hESCs can be used to engineer artificial vessels to repair damaged vessels and form vessel networks in engineered tissues. Here we review the current status of directing hESCs to differentiate to vascular cells.