endothelial cell migration

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The orderly movement of an endothelial cell into the extracellular matrix to form an endothelium. [GOC:go_curators]

Endothelial cell migration is a fundamental process in angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, and is essential for tissue repair, development, and wound healing. This intricate process involves a series of precisely coordinated events that allow endothelial cells, the cells lining blood vessels, to detach from existing vessels, migrate to the target area, and form new vascular structures.

The migration process can be broadly divided into several key stages:

1. **Signal Reception and Activation:** The migration of endothelial cells is triggered by specific signaling molecules, often growth factors or chemokines, released from surrounding tissues. These signals bind to receptors on the endothelial cell surface, activating intracellular signaling pathways that initiate the migration cascade.

2. **Cell Polarization and Protrusion Formation:** Once activated, endothelial cells undergo a significant reorganization of their cytoskeleton, resulting in the formation of a leading edge, or lamellipodium, at the front of the cell. This protrusion is rich in actin filaments, providing structural support for the cell's movement.

3. **Adhesion and Detachment:** As the leading edge extends, it forms new adhesions with the extracellular matrix (ECM), a network of proteins surrounding cells. These adhesions, primarily mediated by integrin receptors, provide traction for cell movement. At the same time, the rear of the cell detaches from the ECM, allowing the cell to move forward.

4. **Cell Body Translocation and Rear Detachment:** The cell body then moves forward, propelled by the coordinated action of the cytoskeleton, motor proteins, and adhesion dynamics. The trailing edge of the cell retracts, and the cell detaches from its previous location.

5. **ECM Degradation and Vessel Formation:** In some cases, the migration of endothelial cells may involve the degradation of the surrounding ECM, which can be accomplished by proteases secreted by the cells. This allows for the formation of new vascular channels, contributing to angiogenesis.

The precise molecular mechanisms driving endothelial cell migration are complex and involve a multitude of signaling pathways, proteins, and regulatory elements. These mechanisms include:

- **Growth Factor Signaling:** Growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), activate signaling cascades that promote cell survival, proliferation, and migration.
- **Chemokine Signaling:** Chemokines, small chemoattractant proteins, guide endothelial cell migration toward the target site by activating specific receptors on the cell surface.
- **Integrin-Mediated Adhesion:** Integrins, a family of cell-surface receptors, mediate adhesion to the ECM, providing traction for cell movement and signaling pathways that regulate migration.
- **Cytoskeleton Dynamics:** The cytoskeleton, primarily composed of actin filaments and microtubules, undergoes dynamic reorganization to support cell protrusion, adhesion, and movement.
- **Rho GTPase Signaling:** Rho GTPases, a family of small signaling proteins, play critical roles in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics, cell adhesion, and migration.
- **Protease Activity:** Proteases, enzymes that degrade proteins, facilitate ECM remodeling and can contribute to angiogenesis by creating pathways for endothelial cell migration.

Endothelial cell migration is a tightly regulated process crucial for normal tissue development and repair. Dysregulation of this process can contribute to various diseases, including cancer, atherosclerosis, and inflammatory disorders. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying endothelial cell migration is essential for developing novel therapeutic strategies for these diseases.'
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Proteins (14)

Compounds (585)