BAMBI regulates angiogenesis and endothelial homeostasis through modulation of alternative TGFβ signaling.

ABSTRACT:

Background

BAMBI is a type I TGFβ receptor antagonist, whose in vivo function remains unclear, as BAMBI(-/-) mice lack an obvious phenotype.

Methodology/principal findings

Identifying BAMBI's functions requires identification of cell-specific expression of BAMBI. By immunohistology we found BAMBI expression restricted to endothelial cells and by electron microscopy BAMBI(-/-) mice showed prominent and swollen endothelial cells in myocardial and glomerular capillaries. In endothelial cells over-expression of BAMBI reduced, whereas knock-down enhanced capillary growth and migration in response to TGFβ. In vivo angiogenesis was enhanced in matrigel implants and in glomerular hypertrophy after unilateral nephrectomy in BAMBI(-/-) compared to BAMBI(+/+) mice consistent with an en

SUBMITTER: Guillot N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3382616 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature