regulation of endothelial tube morphogenesis

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of endothelial tube morphogenesis. [GOC:dph, GOC:TermGenie]

Endothelial tube morphogenesis, a fundamental process in vascular development and angiogenesis, is intricately regulated by a complex interplay of signaling pathways, extracellular matrix components, and cell-cell interactions. The process begins with endothelial cells adhering to each other and forming initial cell clusters. These clusters then elongate and sprout, extending filopodia and lamellipodia that probe their surroundings. As the endothelial cells migrate and proliferate, they establish connections with neighboring cells, forming a network of interconnected tubes. This intricate process involves a cascade of events, including:

**1. Extracellular Matrix (ECM) Interactions:** The ECM provides a scaffold for endothelial cell migration and tube formation. Laminin, collagen, and fibronectin are key ECM components that interact with integrin receptors on endothelial cells, mediating cell adhesion, migration, and signaling.

**2. Growth Factor Signaling:** Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a crucial growth factor that promotes angiogenesis. VEGF binds to its receptors, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, on endothelial cells, activating downstream signaling pathways that stimulate cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. Other growth factors involved include fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

**3. Cell-Cell Interactions:** Endothelial cells communicate with each other through cell-cell junctions, primarily adherens junctions and tight junctions. These junctions provide structural integrity and facilitate signal transduction, regulating cell shape, polarity, and tube formation. Cadherins, a family of cell-cell adhesion proteins, play a crucial role in adherens junction formation.

**4. Intracellular Signaling Cascades:** Growth factor signaling activates intracellular signaling pathways, such as the MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and Rho GTPase pathways, which regulate gene expression, cytoskeletal dynamics, and cell behavior.

**5. Cytoskeletal Remodeling:** Actin filaments and microtubules undergo dynamic rearrangements to support cell migration, tube formation, and lumen formation. Actin polymerization at the leading edge of migrating endothelial cells drives cell movement, while microtubules provide structural support and facilitate intracellular transport.

**6. Lumen Formation:** Once a network of interconnected tubes is formed, the lumen, or central cavity, of the vessels must develop. This process involves the formation of intracellular vacuoles that coalesce to create the lumen.

**7. Tube Stabilization and Maturation:** After lumen formation, the endothelial tubes undergo stabilization and maturation. This involves the recruitment of pericytes and smooth muscle cells, which wrap around the tubes, providing structural support and regulating blood flow.

The regulation of endothelial tube morphogenesis is a highly complex process that involves multiple signaling pathways, ECM interactions, and cell-cell interactions. This complex interplay of factors ensures the precise formation and function of blood vessels, which are essential for oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body.'"

Proteins (1)

Compounds (3)