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Angiogenesis and angiocrines regulating heart growth
Karthik Amudhala Hemanthakumar1,2, Riikka Kivelä1,2
1Stem cells and Metabolism Research Program, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
Vascular Biology (Bristol, England)
|September 16, 2020
Summary
Endothelial cells (ECs) actively regulate heart growth and regeneration through secreted factors called angiocrines. Understanding these signals offers new therapeutic targets for heart failure and cardiovascular diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Endothelial Cell Biology
- Cardiac Physiology
Background:
- Endothelial cells (ECs) form the inner lining of all blood and lymphatic vessels, constituting a major tissue.
- Beyond transport, endothelium is a dynamic organ involved in angiogenesis, vascular tone, and tissue regeneration.
- Endothelial-derived factors, angiocrines, mediate non-angiogenic roles in physiological and pathological tissue remodeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of angiogenesis and EC-mediated signaling in cardiac hypertrophy.
- To explore how angiocrines influence cardiomyocyte growth in response to stimuli.
- To highlight the potential of EC-derived signals as therapeutic targets for heart failure.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on angiogenesis, EC signaling, and cardiac hypertrophy.
- Analysis of identified angiocrines and their impact on cardiomyocyte growth.
- Discussion of molecular and metabolic signals from ECs in cardiac development and disease.
Main Results:
- ECs actively participate in cardiac development, homeostasis, and regeneration.
- Several angiocrines have been identified that modulate cardiomyocyte growth.
- EC-derived signals play a crucial role in regulating cardiac hypertrophy.
Conclusions:
- Endothelium is a key regulator of cardiac growth and regeneration.
- Understanding EC-mediated signaling pathways can lead to novel therapeutic strategies for heart failure.
- Targeting endothelial cells presents a promising approach for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
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