Regulation of Angiogenesis by fibulin-5

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Human skin is one of the largest and most complex organ systems in the body forming a functional barrier between the external environment and the internal structures. Within the skin, a delicate compositional and organizational balance of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins is required for proper function. In addition to ECM proteins, cutaneous blood vessels are also critical for the development and function of skin by providing an essential supply of oxygen and nutrients. Recently, we have discovered that mice lacking the protein, fibulin-5, have a significant increase in the number of cutaneous blood vessels. This observation led us to the hypothesis that fibulin-5 can influence blood vessels formation (angiogenesis) in a negative manner. The short-term goal of our research program, therefore, is to understand the basic biological mechanism of fibulin-5 in the regulation of angiogenesis. In the long-term, our research program is focused on determining how ECM proteins direct and control blood vessel development and stability.