Role of alpha v integrins during angiogenesis

Angiogenesis depends on specific molecular interactions between vascular cells and components of the extracellular matrix. This review focuses on the recent advances in the understanding of the mechanism of action of integrins and integrin antagonists during angiogenesis. For example, angiogenesis induced with vascular endothelial growth/permeability factor but not with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) depends on integrin avb5 and Src kinase activity. In contrast, bFGF-induced angiogenesis requires integrin avb3 and functions independently of Src. Recent studies document a role for integrins and growth factor regulation of Src family kinases during angiogenesis. We also discuss the effect of av integrin antagonists on angiogenesis during tumor growth, inflammatory disease, and retinopathy and summarize recent clinical progress in using av integrin antagonists.