Perlecan regulates developmental angiogenesis by modulating the VEGF-VEGFR2 axis.

ABSTRACT: Using the zebrafish, we previously identified a central function for perlecan during angiogenic blood vessel development. Here, we explored the nature of perlecan function during developmental angiogenesis. A close examination of individual endothelial cell behavior revealed that perlecan is required for proper endothelial cell migration and proliferation. Because these events are largely mediated by VEGF-VEGFR2 signaling, we investigated the relationship between perlecan and the VEGF pathway. We discovered that perlecan knockdown caused an abnormal increase and redistribution of total VEGF-A protein suggesting that perlecan is required for the appropriate localization of VEGF-A. Importantly, we linked perlecan function to the VEGF pathway by efficiently rescuing the perlecan morphant phen

SUBMITTER: Zoeller JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2705690 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature