regulation of cell migration involved in sprouting angiogenesis

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of cell migration involved in sprouting angiogenesis. Cell migration involved in sprouting angiogenesis is the orderly movement of endothelial cells into the extracellular matrix in order to form new blood vessels contributing to the process of sprouting angiogenesis. [GOC:BHF, GOC:dph, GOC:rl, GOC:tb]

Sprouting angiogenesis is a complex process that involves the coordinated migration and proliferation of endothelial cells, the cells that line blood vessels. This process is essential for the formation of new blood vessels, which is critical for tissue growth, repair, and development. The regulation of cell migration in sprouting angiogenesis is a tightly controlled process that involves a number of signaling pathways and molecular interactions.

One of the key steps in sprouting angiogenesis is the activation of endothelial cells by growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF binds to its receptor on endothelial cells, triggering a cascade of intracellular signaling events that lead to the activation of transcription factors and the expression of genes involved in cell migration, proliferation, and survival.

Activated endothelial cells then undergo a process called "tip cell selection," where a subset of endothelial cells become specialized to lead the sprout. Tip cells are characterized by their highly motile behavior and the expression of specific signaling molecules, such as Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), which are involved in cell-cell communication and the regulation of sprouting.

Tip cells migrate towards the source of VEGF, following a chemotactic gradient. This migration is driven by the coordinated action of the cytoskeleton, which provides structural support and propels the cell forward, and integrins, which mediate cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix. Tip cells also secrete proteolytic enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), that degrade the extracellular matrix, allowing the sprout to penetrate surrounding tissues.

As the sprout extends, it undergoes a process called "stalk cell formation." Stalk cells are endothelial cells that follow behind the tip cell and contribute to the formation of the lumen of the new blood vessel. Stalk cells are less motile than tip cells and express lower levels of VEGFR2 and Dll4. They are also more sensitive to signals that promote proliferation and differentiation, which allows them to contribute to the formation of the vascular tube.

The formation of new blood vessels requires the coordination of cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. These processes are tightly regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways and molecular interactions, including:

- VEGF signaling
- Notch signaling
- Wnt signaling
- Hedgehog signaling
- TGF-beta signaling

These pathways interact with each other to ensure that the correct balance of cell behavior is achieved during angiogenesis. In addition to these signaling pathways, other factors also contribute to the regulation of cell migration in sprouting angiogenesis, including:

- Extracellular matrix composition
- Cell-cell interactions
- Mechanical forces

Dysregulation of angiogenesis is associated with a number of diseases, including cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and arthritis. Understanding the complex processes that regulate cell migration in sprouting angiogenesis is essential for developing new therapies to treat these diseases.
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (9)