on September 13, 2007
Published online before print September 13, 2007, doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.107.151456
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Submitted on July 13, 2007
Accepted on September 3, 2007
PECAM-1: A Multi-Functional Molecule in Inflammation and Vascular Biology
Abigail Woodfin ;
From the Centre for Microvascular Research, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts & The London, Queen Mary College, London, UK.
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: s.nourshargh{at}qmul.ac.uk.
Abstract—Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1 or CD31) is a molecule expressed on all cells within the vascular compartment, being expressed to different degrees on most leukocyte sub-types, platelets, and on endothelial cells where its expression is largely concentrated at junctions between adjacent cells. As well as exhibiting adhesive properties, PECAM-1 is an efficient signaling molecule and is now known to have diverse roles in vascular biology including roles in angiogenesis, platelet function, and thrombosis, mechanosensing of endothelial cell response to fluid shear stress, and regulation of multiple stages of leukocyte migration through venular walls. This review will focus on some new developments with respect to the role of PECAM-1 in inflammation and vascular biology, highlighting the emerging complexities associated with the functions of this unique molecule.