Integrin-dependent regulation of the endothelial barrier

• Authors: Fadi E Pulous, Emory University; Brian Petrich, Emory University
• Journal Title: Tissue Barriers
• Volume: Volume 7, Number 4
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC | 2019-10-02, Pages 1685844-1685844
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1080/21688370.2019.1685844
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Oncology
• Keywords: Endothelial barrier; adherens junctions; integrin; Adherens Junctions; Endothelial Cells; Humans; Integrins

Abstract

The endothelium physically separates blood from surrounding tissue and yet allows for the regulated passage of nutrients, waste, and leukocytes into and out of the circulation. Trans-endothelium flux occurs across endothelial cells (transcellular) and between endothelial cells (paracellular). Paracellular endothelial barrier function depends on the regulation of cell-cell junctions. Interestingly, a functional relationship between cell-cell junctions and cell-matrix adhesions has long been appreciated but the molecular mechanisms underpinning this relationship are not fully understood. Here we review the evidence that supports the notion that cell-matrix interactions contribute to the regulation of cell-cell junctions, focusing primarily on the important adherens junction protein VE-cadherin. In particular, we will discuss recent insights gained into how integrin signaling impacts VE-cadherin stability in adherens junctions and endothelial barrier function.