Endothelial cells form the interior lining (endothelium) of all lymphatic and blood vessels. The most fundamental functions of endothelium are to maintain a vessel wall barrier facilitating exchange of molecules between the vasculature and tissues and to regulate vascular homeostasis. Vascular endothelial cells (VECs) and lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) share features such as flat morphology, apico-basal polarity and several common endothelial cell-specific proteins. As noted above, the primary roles of VECs include the establishment and maintenance of a selective barrier and regulation of blood flow. This entails all aspects of vascular biology in the context of vessel formation and tone, coagulation/fibrinolysis, inflammation, and other pathological processes. VECs interact with platelets and regulate fibrin formation to maintain vascular hemostasis. VECs also modulate immune responses through expression of the T-cell activation inhibitor PD-L1, secretion of nitric oxide, and control of the expression of immune recruiting receptors like ICAM or VCAM. Dysfunction of the endothelium can lead to various vascular diseases and promote the development of chronic conditions that include atherosclerosis. GeneTex is proud to offer an outstanding selection of antibody reagents to study endothelial cells, with an emphasis on VECs. Please see the highlighted antibodies below.

 

Endothelial Cell Markers

CD31 antibody (GTX110602)	CD146 antibody (GTX108777)	VE-cadherin antibody (GTX633705)
eNOS (phospho Ser1177) antibody (GTX129058)