The myoendothelial junction: connections that deliver the message

Physiology (Bethesda). 2014 Jul;29(4):242-9. doi: 10.1152/physiol.00042.2013.

Abstract

A vast amount of investigation has centered on how the endothelium and smooth muscle communicate. From this evidence, myoendothelial junctions have emerged as critical anatomical structures to regulate heterocellular cross talk. Indeed, there is now evidence that the myoendothelial junction serves as a signaling microdomain to organize proteins used to facilitate vascular heterocellular communication. This review highlights the evolving role of myoendothelial junctions in the context of vascular cell-cell communication.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Pressure / physiology
  • Cell Communication / physiology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Junctions / physiology*
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / cytology*
  • Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Vascular Resistance / physiology