Integrins as "functional hubs" in the regulation of pathological angiogenesis.
It is well accepted that complex biological processes such as angiogenesis are not controlled by a single family of molecules or individually isolated signaling pathways. In this regard, new insight into the interconnected mechanisms that regulate angiogenesis might be gained by examining this process from a more global network perspective. The coordination of signaling cues from both outside and inside many different cell types is required for the successful completion of angiogenesis. Evidence is accumulating that the multifunctional integrin family of cell adhesion receptors represent an important group of molecules that play active roles in sensing, integrating, and distributing a diverse set of signals that regulate many cellular events required for angiogenesis. Given the ability of integrins to bind numerous extracellular ligands and transmit signals in a bi-directional fashion, we will discuss the multiple ways by which integrins may serve as a functional hub during pathological angiogenesis. In addition, we will highlight potential imaging and therapeutic strategies based on the expanding new insight into integrin function.
Contois
Liangru
L
Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074, United States.
Akalu
Abebe
A
Brooks
Peter C
PC
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D016023:Integrins / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply*; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D016023:Integrins