Endothelial Cytoskeleton

This book presents a concise synthesis of the current knowledge and recent advances in the structure, organization and functional role of the cytoskeleton in endothelial cells. Particular attention has been given to the different features of the regulation of vascular function mediated by the endothelium. Since cytoskeleton is a scaffolding element that regulates the architecture of the cell and additionally controls several fundamental aspects of intracellular signaling, this book will serve as a comprehensive resource for those interested in these fascinating biological processes associated with vascular biology. The book has been divided into two major sections: general aspects of the endothelial cytoskeleton and the role of the role of the endothelial cytoskeleton in different functions of the vascular wall.

The Endothelium Cytoskeleton. Emerging themes on pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell microtubules and microtubule associated proteins. Endothelial actin cytoskeleton and angiogenesis. Adherens Junctions and Endothelial Cytoskeleton. Role of cytoskeleton in force transmission in endothelial cells. The functional role of the cytoskeleton in the regulation of vascular endothelial barrier. Membrane-Cytoskeleton interactions and control of vesicular transport in endothelial cells. Cell-matrix adhesion proteins in the regulation of endothelial permeability. Endothelial cells and the regulation of platelet function.

Juan A. Rosado, Pedro C. Redondo