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Endothelial cell–Matrix interactions
Author(s) -
Iivanainen Erika,
Kähäri VeliMatti,
Heino Jyrki,
Elenius Klaus
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.10238
Subject(s) - angiogenesis , extracellular matrix , matrix metalloproteinase , microbiology and biotechnology , integrin , endothelial stem cell , matrix (chemical analysis) , receptor , cell adhesion molecule , biology , chemistry , cell surface receptor , cancer research , biochemistry , in vitro , chromatography
Dynamic interactions between endothelial cells and components of their surrounding extracellular matrix are necessary for the invasion, migration, and survival of endothelial cells during angiogenesis. These interactions are mediated by matrix receptors that initiate intracellular signaling cascades in response to binding to specific extracellular matrix molecules. The interactions between endothelial cells and their environment are also modulated by enzymes that degrade different matrix components and thus enable endothelial invasion. Recent reports on gene targeting in mice have confirmed the role of two classes of matrix receptors, integrins and cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans, and a group of matrix degrading proteolytic enzymes, matrix metalloproteinases, in angiogenesis. The significance of endothelial cell–matrix interactions is further supported by several ongoing clinical trials that analyze the effects of drugs blocking this interaction on angiogenesis‐dependent growth of human tumors. Microsc. Res. Tech. 60:13–22, 2003. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.