Notch和Wnt信号通路在血管形成中的协同调控作用

Notch和Wnt信号通路能够调控细胞的分化、增殖、迁移和粘附等多种行为,在胚胎发育、干细胞分化及肿瘤生长等方面发挥多样性的调控作用.血管形成过程中的典型事件包括尖端细胞(tipcell)和柄细胞(stalkcell)分化、柄细胞增殖、内皮细胞迁移和粘附、血管重塑以及动静脉分化等.本文对Notch和Wnt信号通路在血管形成不同阶段的功能作一综述,以期描述Notch和Wnt是怎样在分子水平上协同作用进而调控血管的形成.从两条信号通路的分子水平及复杂信号网络中众多成员协调作用的角度了解血管形成的机制,对于调整肿瘤等涉及血管形成的相关疾病的治疗策略具有一定意义.

Notch and Wnt Cooperatively Regulate Angiogenesis

The crucial roles of the Notch and Wnt signaling pathways in controlling the embryonic development, stem cell differentiation and multiple cancer-related processes have been demonstrated by accumulated evidence. Notch alone or in combination with Wnt regulates the typical events involved in vascular morphogenesis, including tip/stalk cell differentiation, stalk cell proliferation, endothelial cell migration and adhesion, vascular remolding and arterial venous differentiation. We summarized the functions of Notch and Wnt and discussed their cross talking in the regulation of angiogenesis. The better understanding of this complex signaling network and the cooperative functions of Notch and Wnt may help to develop practicle therapeutic strategies for tumor and other diseases.