SMAD-INDEPENDENT TGF-BETA SIGNALING MECHANISMS IN ANGIOGENESIS

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Dr. Vary has proposed the hypothesis that endoglin, a type-III TGF-beta receptor, is a BMPRII-mediated SMAD-independent effector of TGF-beta receptor ALK1 signaling that regulates angiogenesis. Human mutations in endoglin and ALK1 result in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasias 1 and 2 (HHT1, HHT2 respectively). In addition, human mutations in ALK1 and BMPRII are associated with primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH). In the mouse, ALK1 and endoglin have been shown to be required for angiogenesis. Taken together, these studies suggest that defects in endoglin (HHT1), ALK1 (HHT2), and BMPRII (PPH) disrupt a common signaling pathway. C. Vary's Published and preliminary data support this hypothesis and the two specific aims: 1) to identify BMPRII-mediated ALK1 signaling responses, and 2) to examine the consequences of endoglin and ALK1 expression on vascular patterning. This is a highly innovative project that is likely to resolve some of the paradoxes surrounding TGF-beta signaling pathways in the vasculature. These studies are an extension of C. Varys long-standing interest in the cell and molecular biology of endoglin function. The project is highly relevant to the aims and goals of this COBRE and is interactive with Projects 1 (Lindner) and 2 (Liaw). It is anticipated that rather strong collaborative interactions between these projects will continue to evolve.