Endothelial RhoA GTPase is essential for in vitro endothelial functions but dispensable for physiological in vivo angiogenesis

37Citations
Citations of this article
52Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Imbalanced angiogenesis is a characteristic of several diseases. Rho GTPases regulate multiple cellular processes, such as cytoskeletal rearrangement, cell movement, microtubule dynamics, signal transduction and gene expression. Among the Rho GTPases, RhoA, Rac1 and Cdc42 are best characterized. The role of endothelial Rac1 and Cdc42 in embryonic development and retinal angiogenesis has been studied, however the role of endothelial RhoA is yet to be explored. Here, we aimed to identify the role of endothelial RhoA in endothelial cell functions, in embryonic and retinal development and explored compensatory mechanisms. In vitro, RhoA is involved in cell proliferation, migration and tube formation, triggered by the angiogenesis inducers Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Sphingosine-1 Phosphate (S1P). In vivo, through constitutive and inducible endothelial RhoA deficiency we tested the role of endothelial RhoA in embryonic development and retinal angiogenesis. Constitutive endothelial RhoA deficiency, although decreased survival, was not detrimental for embryonic development, while inducible endothelial RhoA deficiency presented only mild deficiencies in the retina. The redundant role of RhoA in vivo can be attributed to potential differences in the signaling cues regulating angiogenesis in physiological versus pathological conditions and to the alternative compensatory mechanisms that may be present in the in vivo setting.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Zahra, F. T., Sajib, M. S., Ichiyama, Y., Akwii, R. G., Tullar, P. E., Cobos, C., … Mikelis, C. M. (2019). Endothelial RhoA GTPase is essential for in vitro endothelial functions but dispensable for physiological in vivo angiogenesis. Scientific Reports, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-48053-z

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free