Integrins and angiogenesis

Curr Top Dev Biol. 2004:64:207-38. doi: 10.1016/S0070-2153(04)64009-9.

Abstract

The growth of new blood vessels is a dynamic yet highly regulated process that depends on coordinated signaling by growth factor and cell adhesion receptors. As part of the molecular program regulating angiogenesis, endothelial cells acquire a proliferative and invasive phenotype but also show increased susceptibility to apoptotic stimuli. Integrins are the principle adhesion receptors used by endothelial cells to interact with their extracellular microenvironment, and integrin-mediated interactions play a critical role in regulating cell proliferation, migration, and survival. Alterations in the repertoire and?or activity of integrins, as well as the availability and structural property of their ligands, regulate the vascular cell during the growth or repair of blood vessels.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Vessels / anatomy & histology
  • Blood Vessels / physiology
  • Cell Survival
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism
  • Fibrin / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Integrins* / genetics
  • Integrins* / metabolism
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases / metabolism
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic*
  • Plasminogen / metabolism
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator / metabolism

Substances

  • Integrins
  • Fibrin
  • Plasminogen
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
  • Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator
  • Matrix Metalloproteinases