Stress-Induced Premature Senescence of Endothelial and Endothelial Progenitor Cells

Abstract

This brief overview of premature senescence of dysfunctional endothelial and endothelial progenitor cells provides information on endothelial cell differentiation and specialization, their ontogeny, and controversies related to endothelial stem and progenitor cells. Stressors responsible for the dysfunction of endothelial and endothelial progenitor cells, as well as cellular mechanisms and consequences of endothelial cell dysfunction are presented. Metabolic signatures of dysfunctional endothelial cells and senescence pathways are described. Emerging strategies to rejuvenate endothelial and endothelial progenitor cells conclude the review.

Keywords: Endothelial cell metabolism; Endothelial rejuvenation; Endothelial–mesenchymal transition; Microvascular endowment and rarefaction; Senescence-associated secretory products; Warburg metabolism.