Shroom2 regulates contractility to control endothelial morphogenesis.

ABSTRACT: The intrinsic contractile, migratory, and adhesive properties of endothelial cells are central determinants in the formation of vascular networks seen in vertebrate organisms. Because Shroom2 (Shrm2) is expressed within the endothelium, is localized to cortical actin and cell-cell adhesions, and contains a conserved Rho kinase (Rock) binding domain, we hypothesized that Shrm2 may participate in the regulation of endothelial cell behavior during vascular morphogenesis. Consistent with this hypothesis, depletion of Shrm2 results in elevated branching and sprouting angiogenic behavior of endothelial cells. This is recapitulated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and in a vasculogenesis assay in which differentiated embryonic stem cells depleted for Shrm2 form a more highly branched end

SUBMITTER: Farber MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3057704 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature