Role of Lycat in cell differentiation: a cardiovascular continuum? The cloche mutant zebrafish characterized by severe anemia and defective endocardium. Out of the cloche genetic interval the Lycat gene was cloned. Mouse derived ES cells transfected with the Lycat transgene are driven to an endothelial and hematopoietic phenotype. Although the results are very promising, many questions remain to be answered before potential translation to clinical applications. Illustration by Marie Dauenheimer.