Tip cells

Tip cells are specialized endothelial cells that lead the formation of new blood vessels during angiogenesis. They use long, finger-like extensions called filopodia to sense molecular signals in their environment and navigate toward areas that need oxygen and nutrients. By guiding vessel sprouts in precise directions, tip cells ensure proper vascular patterning during development and healing, while their dysregulation contributes to diseases such as cancer, eye disorders, heart attacks, and stroke.