Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
of the delta-like ligand, DLL-4, in tip cells that bind to its receptors, as well
as Notch 1 and Notch 4, on adjacent “stalk” endothelial cells. DLL-4-Notch
signaling functions act as a dampening mechanism in preventing excess an-
giogenesis and promoting orderly development of new vessels. Membrane
type 1-matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP on the endothelial cell sur-
face, are also required for the subsequent step in the angiogenesis cascade
of tube formation, by playing a role in endothelial intracellular vacuole and
lumen formation. The BM is built up of scaffolding laminins and essential
components such as collagen IV and collagen XVIII [11]. Part of the final
stage of angiogenesis is the recruitment of pericytes as their association with
endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells, is essential for the maturation
of endothelial tubes into blood vessels.
