Transforming growth factor-beta: vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and vessel wall integrity.
Genetic studies have recently revealed a role for transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-beta 1) and its receptors (TGF-beta Rs I and II as well as endoglin) in embryonic vascular assembly and in the establishment and maintenance of vessel wall integrity. The purpose of this review is threefold: first, to reassess previous studies on TGF-beta and endothelium in the light of these recent findings; second, to describe some of the well-established as well as controversial issues concerning TGF-beta and its regulatory role in angiogenesis; and third, to explore the notion of "context' with respect to TGF-beta and endothelial cell function. Although the focus of this review will be on the endothelium, other vascular wall cells are also likely to be important in the pathogenesis of the vascular lesions revealed by genetic studies.
Pepper
M S
MS
Department of Morphology, University of Geneva Medical Center, Switzerland. pepper@cmu.unige.ch
D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000196:embryology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000196:embryology; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D018390:Gene Targeting; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000235:genetics; D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology
D018125:Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta