The synaptic proteins neurexins and neuroligins are widely expressed in the vascular system and contribute to its functions.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
; 106(49): 20782-7, 2009 Dec 08.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-19926856
ABSTRACT
Unlike other neuronal counterparts, primary synaptic proteins are not known to be involved in vascular physiology. Here, we demonstrate that neurexins and neuroligins, which constitute large and complex families of fundamental players in synaptic activity, are produced and processed by endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells throughout the vasculature. Moreover, they are dynamically regulated during vessel remodeling and form endogenous complexes in large vessels as well as in the brain. We used the chicken chorioallantoic membrane as a system to pursue functional studies and demonstrate that a monoclonal recombinant antibody against beta-neurexin inhibits angiogenesis, whereas exogenous neuroligin has a role in promoting angiogenesis. Finally, as an insight into the mechanism of action of beta-neurexin, we show that the anti-beta-neurexin antibody influences vessel tone in isolated chicken arteries. Our finding strongly supports the idea that even the most complex and plastic events taking place in the nervous system (i.e., synaptic activity) share molecular cues with the vascular system.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Arterias
/
Sinapsis
/
Moléculas de Adhesión Celular Neuronal
/
Moléculas de Adhesión de Célula Nerviosa
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A
Año:
2009
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia