Besides adhesion: new perspectives of integrin functions in angiogenesis

Cardiovasc Res. 2008 May 1;78(2):213-22. doi: 10.1093/cvr/cvn045. Epub 2008 Feb 19.

Abstract

During angiogenic remodelling in embryo and adult life, endothelial cells lining blood vessel walls dynamically modify their integrin-mediated adhesive contacts with the surrounding extracellular matrix. However, besides regulating cell adhesion and migration, integrins dynamically participate in a network with soluble molecules and their receptors. Angiogenesis is characterized by opposing autocrine and paracrine loops of growth factors and semaphorins that regulate the activation of integrins on the endothelial surface through tyrosine kinase receptors (TKR) and the neuropilin/plexin system. Moreover, pro- and anti-angiogenic factors can directly bind integrins and regulate endothelial cell behaviour. This review summarizes the recent progress in understanding the reciprocal interactions between integrins, TKR, and semaphorin receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenic Proteins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion*
  • Cell Movement
  • Endothelial Cells / enzymology
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Integrins / metabolism*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / metabolism
  • Semaphorins / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Angiogenic Proteins
  • Integrins
  • Semaphorins
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases