Control of vascular morphogenesis and homeostasis through the angiopoietin-Tie system.
Angiogenesis, the growth of blood vessels, is a fundamental biological process that controls embryonic development and is also involved in numerous life-threatening human diseases. Much work in the field of angiogenesis research has centred on the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-VEGF receptor system. The Tie receptors and their angiopoietin (Ang) ligands have been identified as the second vascular tissue-specific receptor Tyr kinase system. Ang-Tie signalling is essential during embryonic vessel assembly and maturation, and functions as a key regulator of adult vascular homeostasis. The structural characteristics and the spatio-temporal regulation of the expression of receptors and ligands provide unique insights into the functions of this vascular signalling system.
Augustin
Hellmut G
HG
Joint Research Division Vascular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim (CBTM), University of Heidelberg, and German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Germany. augustin@angiogenese.de
Koh
Gou Young
GY
Thurston
Gavin
G
Alitalo
Kari
K
D042682:Angiopoietins / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000254:growth & development*; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D009024:Morphogenesis; D042764:Receptors, TIE / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D042682:Angiopoietins; D042764:Receptors, TIE