Adrenomedullin-RAMP2 system in vascular endothelial cells

Abstract

Vascular endothelial cells play key roles in maintaining vascular and organ homeostasis. Adrenomedullin (AM), originally identified as a vasodilating peptide, is now recognized to be a pleiotropic molecule involved in both circulatory homeostasis and the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. We have reported that knockout mice deficient in AM or receptor activity-modifying protein 2 (RAMP2), an AM-receptor accessory protein, show vascular endothelial cell deformities that are embryonically lethal. To directly clarify the pathophysiological functions of the vascular AM-RAMP2 system, we generated vascular endothelial cell-specific RAMP2 knockout mice. Using these mice, we found that the AM-RAMP2 system is a key determinant of vascular integrity and homeostasis from prenatal stages through adulthood. This review highlights the functions of AM-RAMP2 in vascular endothelial cells.