Molecular basis of angiogenesis. Role of VEGF and VE-cadherin

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2000 May:902:249-62; discussion 262-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2000.tb06320.x.

Abstract

The formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) is essential for embryonic development and contributes to the pathogenesis of numerous disorders. In contrast, insufficient angiogenesis may lead to tissue ischemia and failure. The recent discovery of novel angiogenic molecules has initiated efforts to improve tissue perfusion via therapeutic angiogenesis. However, rational design of such treatment strategies mandates a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of angiogenesis. In this brief review, the role of a prime angiogenic candidate, namely vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its homologues, in physiological and pathological angiogenesis will be discussed with particular attention to myocardial ischemia and heart failure. In addition, a novel interaction between the junctional protein vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-cadherin) and VEGF, essential for the endothelial survival function of VEGF, will be reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD
  • Cadherins / physiology*
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / genetics
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / physiology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / physiopathology
  • Heart Diseases / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lymphokines / genetics
  • Lymphokines / physiology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / physiopathology*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / physiology
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / physiology
  • Receptors, Growth Factor / genetics
  • Receptors, Growth Factor / physiology
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Cadherins
  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Lymphokines
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Receptors, Growth Factor
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • cadherin 5
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1