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Novel interactions of perlecan: Unraveling perlecan's role in angiogenesis
Author(s) -
Bix Gregory,
Iozzo Renato V.
Publication year - 2008
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.20562
Subject(s) - perlecan , angiogenesis , basement membrane , heparan sulfate , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , zebrafish , extracellular matrix , proteoglycan , cancer research , genetics , gene , cell
Perlecan, a highly conserved and ubiquitous basement membrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is essential for life, inasmuch as its absence results in embryonic lethality in mice and C. elegans , and neonatal lethality in humans. Perlecan plays an essential role in vasculogenesis and chondrogenesis, as well as in pathological states where these processes are maladapted. Although a large body of evidence supports a pro‐angiogenic role for perlecan, recent findings suggests that portions of the perlecan protein core can be antiangiogenic, requiring a further evaluation of the functioning of this complex molecule. This review is focused on the genetics of mammalian and nonmammalian perlecan, the elucidation of its novel interacting partners and its role in angiogenesis. By more fully understanding perlecan's functioning in angiogenesis, we may gain invaluable insight that could lead to therapeutic interventions in cancer and other pathologic states. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.