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Updated: Feb 16, 2026

In Vitro Model of Physiological and Pathological Blood Flow with Application to Investigations of Vascular Cell Remodeling
Published on: November 3, 2015
Integrins in Vascular Development and Pathology
Paola A Guerrero1, Joseph H McCarty1
1University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States.
Abstract:
During vascular development, endothelial cells (ECs) and neighboring stromal cells interact and communicate through autocrine and paracrine signaling mechanisms involving extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and their cell surface integrin adhesion receptors. Integrin-mediated adhesion and signaling pathways are crucial for normal vascular development and physiology, and alterations in integrin expression and/or function drive several vascular-related pathologies including thrombosis, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. The purpose of this chapter is to discuss integrin adhesion and signaling pathways important for EC growth, survival, and migration. Integrin-mediated paracrine links between ECs and surrounding stromal cells in the organ microenvironment will also be discussed. Lastly, we will review roles for integrins in vascular pathologies and discuss possible targets for therapeutic intervention.
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