Title:A hypothesis for the role of RECK in angiogenesis
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Author(s): Jaime Gutiérrez, Cristian A Droppelmann, Rocío Salsoso, Francisco Westermeier, Fernando Toledo, Carlos Salomon, Carlos Sanhueza, Fabián Pardo, Andrea Leiva and Luis Sobrevia
Affiliation:
Keywords:
RECK, angiogenesis, matrix metalloproteinases, a-disintegrin and metalloproteinase, endothelium.
Abstract: Angiogenesis is a key process by which new capillary blood vessels are formed, sustaining the supply of oxygen
and other nutrients to the body allowing its growth and wound healing, among others. However, angiogenesis also associates
with pathological processes, such us tumor growth. Vascular endothelial cells produce different matrix remodeling
enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases and a-disintegrin and metalloproteinases, which have both positive and
negative effects on angiogenesis, regulating the cell environment and signaling. However, little is known about the regulation
of the activity of these proteases during vascular development. Reversion-inducing cysteine-rich protein with Kazal
motifs (RECK) is a membrane-anchored inhibitor of different matrix metalloproteinases and a-disintegrin and metalloproteinases,
being a critical regulator of extracellular matrix remodeling and signaling pathway, particularly Notch, which is
critical for the maturation of the growing vessels. Reck knockout mice die in utero showing vascular developmental defects
and massive hemorrhages. These defects were not observed in knockout mice for secreted-soluble matrix metalloproteinase
inhibitors pointing to an exclusive role of RECK in vascular development and maturation since its location at
the plasma membrane. Despite the above, the exact role of RECK in this process has not been clarified. This review is focused
to summarize the available information on the role of RECK as membrane anchored matrix metalloproteinases and
a-disintegrin and metalloproteinases inhibitor, proposing a hypothesis by which RECK play key roles in the physiology
and pathophysiology of the angiogenesis processes.
