What is an angioblast?

Angioblasts are mesodermal precursor cells that give rise to endothelial cells, which line the interior surface of blood vessels, and pericytes, which are mural cells that support endothelial cells and help regulate blood flow. Angioblasts emerge during embryonic development from the mesoderm, the middle layer of the three germ layers that form during early embryonic development. These cells migrate and aggregate to form primitive blood vessels, a process known as vasculogenesis. During vasculogenesis, angioblasts differentiate into endothelial cells, which form the inner lining of blood vessels, and pericytes, which wrap around the endothelial cells and provide support. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, also involves the proliferation and migration of angioblasts. Angioblasts play a critical role in the development of the circulatory system and the formation of new blood vessels during tissue growth, repair, and regeneration.