RESEARCH ARTICLE e death-associated protein kinase (DAPK) in apoptosis in on the lumen side are also important regulators of endo-

the blood vessel wall plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases such as ath-erosclerosis which remain the leading cause of death in developed countries [2,3]. Endothelial cells exist in a mech-anically active environment where they are continuously thelial functions in cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and wound healing [5,6]. In the vas-culature, misdirected control of apoptosis in endothelial cells can lead to pathological conditions such as inflam-mation, clotting, and smooth muscle cells recruitment [7]. Increased cell turnover rate exists at sites prone to lesion development – areas of disturbed flow and low levels of * Correspondence: jji@iupui.edupublication where we began to analyze the role ofinflammation. Along with biochemical and molecular signals, the hemodynamic forces that the cells experience are also important regulators of endothelial functions such as proliferation and apoptosis. Laminar shear stress inhibits apoptosis induced by serum depletion, oxidative stress, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Death associate