Adrenomedullin-RAMP2 System in Vascular Endothelial Cells

J Atheroscler Thromb. 2015 Jul 23;22(7):647-53. doi: 10.5551/jat.29967. Epub 2015 Jun 4.

Abstract

Vascular endothelial cells play key roles in maintaining vascular and organ homeostasis. Adrenomedullin (AM), originally identified as a vasodilating peptide, is now recognized to be a pleiotropic molecule involved in both circulatory homeostasis and the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. We have reported that knockout mice deficient in AM or receptor activity-modifying protein 2 (RAMP2), an AM-receptor accessory protein, show vascular endothelial cell deformities that are embryonically lethal. To directly clarify the pathophysiological functions of the vascular AM-RAMP2 system, we generated vascular endothelial cell-specific RAMP2 knockout mice. Using these mice, we found that the AM-RAMP2 system is a key determinant of vascular integrity and homeostasis from prenatal stages through adulthood. This review highlights the functions of AM-RAMP2 in vascular endothelial cells.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adrenomedullin
  • Animals
  • Endothelial Cells / chemistry
  • Endothelial Cells / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Receptor Activity-Modifying Protein 2 / analysis
  • Receptor Activity-Modifying Protein 2 / physiology*

Substances

  • RAMP2 protein, human
  • Receptor Activity-Modifying Protein 2
  • Adrenomedullin