Grant: Project Grant

Endothelial cells (ECs) are intimately involved in angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting ones. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most potent angiogenic factor and it is essential for the formation of blood vessels inside cancerous tumors. A better understanding of the angiogenic process and of the intracellular signaling molecules involved in its regulation could allow for the development of new therapeutic approaches to interfere with blood vessels in tumors. An essential event for the induction of angiogenesis is the loosening of contacts between ECs to initiate angiogenesis. The detachment of ECs induces their proliferation and migration to form a vascular network in areas deprived of oxygen or to sustain the growth of a tumor. The overall objective of our research program is to understand the role of ZO-1, a cell junction protein, in angiogenesis and in tumor progression. We have uncovered an unsuspected role for ZO-1 in the resistance of endothelial cells to stress and cell survival that impacts tumoral angiogenesis. A better understanding of the molecular events that control angiogenesis will help in the development of novel therapeutic approaches to inhibit cancerous tumor progression to metastasis.