Abstract
Objective: To identify proteins responsible for intercellular junction integrity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). we produced a monoclonal antibody that recognized an endothelial cell-specific, junctionally restricted protein. We characterized and cloned the antigen to study its functional properties. Methods: The size and cellular distribution of the antigen were determined by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation. The molecule was cloned and transfected into cell lines, and its role in cell-cell adhesion and growth rate was determined. Results: Monoclonal antibody heel recognizes VE-cadherin, an endothelial cell-restricted cell adhesion molecule, VE-cadherin is localized to the borders between apposing endothelial cells but is diffusely distributed on subconfluent or migrating cells. Transfection of fibroblasts with VE-cadherin imparts to them the ability to adhere to each other in a calcium-dependent homophilic manner. Expression of VE-cadherin over a several-log range does not change the growth rate of these cells. Conclusions: Despite the fact that VE-cadherin is a "nonclassical" cadherin by structure. it functions as a classic cadherin by imparting to cells the ability to adhere in a calcium-dependent, homophilic manner. On HUVEC it appears to play a role in maintaining monolayer integrity.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 267-277 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Microcirculation |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 1997 |
Keywords
- Adherens junction
- Cadherin
- Cell adhesion molecule
- Cell border
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physiology
- Molecular Biology
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Physiology (medical)