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Published on: December 21, 2014
Thrombospondin-2 modulates extracellular matrix remodeling during physiological angiogenesis
Marie M Krady1, Jianmin Zeng, Jun Yu
1Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06536-9812, USA.
Thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) inhibits new blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) by altering the extracellular matrix and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). TSP2 deficiency accelerates blood flow recovery and enhances vascular networks in mice.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) is known to inhibit endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and induce apoptosis, thereby limiting angiogenesis.
- TSP2 also modulates extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling by affecting gelatinases (matrix metalloproteinases, MMPs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that TSP2 regulates MMPs to alter EC-ECM interactions and influence angiogenesis.
- To elucidate the role of TSP2 in physiological angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Three-dimensional (3D) angiogenesis assay to assess EC behavior and gelatinolytic activity.
- Analysis of TSP2-null versus wild-type mouse models with induced ischemia in the femoral artery.
- Assessment of ECM composition, EC migration, blood flow recovery, and MMP deposition in vivo.
Main Results:
- TSP2, but not TSP1, limited angiogenesis in vitro by reducing gelatinolytic activity.
- TSP2-null derived ECM promoted EC migration.
- TSP2-null mice showed accelerated blood flow recovery and enhanced arterial networks post-ischemia, associated with increased MMP-9 and gelatinolytic activity.
Conclusions:
- TSP2 inhibits physiological angiogenesis by modulating the ECM and MMP activity.
- The matrix-modulating activity of TSP2 is a key mechanism for controlling blood vessel formation.
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