title: VE-cadherin and endothelial adherens junctions: active guardians of vascular integrity.
abstract: VE-cadherin is a component of endothelial cell-to-cell adherens junctions, and it has a key role in the maintenance of vascular integrity. During embryo development, VE-cadherin is required for the organization of a stable vascular system, and in the adult it controls vascular permeability and inhibits unrestrained vascular growth. The mechanisms of action of VE-cadherin are complex and include reshaping and organization of the endothelial cell cytoskeleton and modulation of gene transcription. Here we review some of the most important pathways through which VE-cadherin modulates vascular homeostasis and discuss the emerging concepts in the overall biological role of this protein.
authors.affiliation: FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20129 Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giannotta
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Trani
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dejana
mesh_terms: D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015820:Cadherins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D002450:Cell Communication / Q000235:genetics; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000235:genetics; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000378:metabolism; D022001:Focal Adhesions / Q000235:genetics*; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D053858:Metabolic Networks and Pathways / Q000235:genetics; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000235:genetics*; D000099152:Cadherin 5
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D015820:Cadherins; D000099152:Cadherin 5