Mediators of angiogenesis: The role of cellular adhesion molecules

Angiogenesis, the production of new blood vessels, plays an important role in a number of physiological and pathological processes, such as development, tissue repair, inflammation, atherosclerosis and tumor progression. A number of mediators including cytokines, growth factors and others, have been implicated in angiogenesis. During tissue neovascularization, endothelial cells (EC) adhere to extracellular matrix (ECM) components and other ECs, which is an essential process in angiogenesis. Thus, in addition to soluble mediators mentioned above, ECM macromolecules and cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) may also act as angiogenic factors. Among CAMs, E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, CD31, and some integrins may facilitate capillary formation both in vivo and in vitro. CAMs, as well as other angiogenic mediators may play a role in the pathogenesis of "angiogenic diseases". Targeting of any of these factors may have potential therapeutic relevance in such disorders.