Vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin): cloning and role in endothelial cell-cell adhesion

Microcirculation. 1997 Jun;4(2):267-77. doi: 10.3109/10739689709146790.

Abstract

Objective: To identify proteins responsible for intercellular junction integrity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), we produced a monoclonal antibody that recognized an endothelial cell-specific, junctionally restricted protein. We characterized and cloned the antigen to study its functional properties.

Methods: The size and cellular distribution of the antigen were determined by immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation. The molecule was cloned and transfected into cell lines, and its role in cell-cell adhesion and growth rate was determined.

Results: Monoclonal antibody hec1 recognizes VE-cadherin, an endothelial cell-restricted cell adhesion molecule. VE-cadherin is localized to the borders between apposing endothelial cells but is diffusely distributed on subconfluent or migrating cells. Transfection of fibroblasts with VE-cadherin imparts to them the ability to adhere to each other in a calcium-dependent homophilic manner. Expression of VE-cadherin over a several-log range does not change the growth rate of these cells.

Conclusions: Despite the fact that VE-cadherin is a "nonclassical" cadherin by structure, it functions as a classic cadherin by imparting to cells the ability to adhere in a calcium-dependent, homophilic manner. On HUVEC it appears to play a role in maintaining monolayer integrity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / chemistry
  • Antigens, CD
  • COS Cells
  • Cadherins / genetics*
  • Cadherins / immunology
  • Cadherins / physiology*
  • Calcium / metabolism
  • Calcium / physiology
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Aggregation
  • Cell Communication*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology*
  • Endothelium, Vascular / immunology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Hybridomas
  • L Cells
  • Mice
  • Transfection

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, CD
  • Cadherins
  • cadherin 5
  • Calcium