The role of extracellular membrane matrix proteins and integrin [alpha] chains in 3D capillary morphogenesis : a thesis /
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
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College Station, Tex. :
Texas A&M University System Health Science Center,
2006.
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| Subjects: |
| Abstract: | ABSTRACT: Using siRNA technology, our studies show suppression of α₂ and α₃ integrin subunits markedly blocks EC capillary lumen formation and invasion, whereas suppression of the α₁₁ integrin subunit appears to promote EC invasion in model systems. Knockdown of type IV collagen, a major component in EC basement membranes, and type IV collagen, also showed inhibitory effects in EC capillary lumen formation and invasion. Additionally, siRNA directed to the α₄ laminin chain, which has been shown to be important in microvessel stability, and the β₂ laminin chain, which are both upregulated in DNA microarray studies, block EC capillary lumen formation and invasion as well. This work demonstrates that siRNA technology can be utilized to define the functional role of specific endothelial genes during capillary tube morphogenesis in 3D extracellular matrix environments, and validates a key role for specific integrin and basement membrane matrix genes in these events. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Medical Sciences". "Submitted to the Office of Research and Graduate Studies of The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center in partial fulfillment for the requirements for the degree of Master of Science August 2006." Approved as to style and content by: George E. Davis, Reza M. Forough, Alan R. Parrish, Jerry P. Trzeciakowski, Harris J. Granger. |
| Physical Description: | ix, 53 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. |
| Bibliography: | Includes biblographical references (leaves 44-52). |