The role of CD105 in angiogenesis and its effect on cell signalling and gene expression

Angiogenesis is an invasive cellular process that requires the functional activity of a wide range of molecules including growth factors and their receptors, extracellular metrix proteins, adhesion molecules and proteolytic enzymes. CD 105 is a ISOkDa homodimeric transmembrane glycoprotein expressed at high levels in tumour endothelial cells (ECs) and to a lesser extent in normal ECs. CD 105 is an important component of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) receptor complex and a modulator of TGF-β signalling by interacting with TGF-β receptor I (TβR-I) and/or TGF-β receptor II (TβR-II). CD 105 knockout mice die in utero owing to defective vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. A mutation of CD105 gene in human leads to HHT-1, the suggestion being that CD 105 plays a critical role in angiogenesis.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo