The Role of Integrins in Angiogenesis

Abstract

Angiogenesis critically depends on environmental factors. In particular, cellular adhesion and migration events play a critical role in the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing cells in multiple pathological conditions. Integrins are a large family of cell surface receptors that transfer signals from the extracellular microenvironment into the intracellular compartment of endothelial cells or tumor cells. In this chapter, we review the role of integrins in inducing and maintaining angiogenesis by regulating the survival, proliferation and migration of endothelial cells as well as of tumor cells. Furthermore, we summarize some pharmacological approaches for modulating integrin signaling in tumor angiogenesis.