Pericytes are vascular smooth muscle cells that stabilize the endothelial networks that comprise the microvasculature. There is increased interest in the role that these cells play in maintaining the architecture, permeability, and remodeling of the microvasculature. Furthermore, these cells may be a source of regenerative cells that participate in the response to injury and ischemia. Bischoff and colleagues have comprehensively characterized a novel determinant of pericyte function, and suggest its possible role in heart failure.
Keywords: Editorials; desmin; hypoxia; nucleotides; pericytes; vascular diseases.