Endothelial cell invasion (null)

Endothelial cell invasion is a biological process during which endothelial cells penetrate and migrate through the surrounding extracellular matrix. This process is central to angiogenesis, whereby new blood vessels are formed from preexisting vessels, as well as in tissue repair, wound healing, and in pathological states such as cancer and chronic inflammation. Invasion is regulated by the dynamic extension of specialized cellular protrusions (such as filopodia, lamellipodia, and dactylopodia), interactions with extracellular matrix proteins, and proteolytic degradation of matrix barriers. Key signaling molecules include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), integrins, Rho-family GTPases, and various matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)[1][2][6][7].

Other names

EC invasion

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