The endothelial cell adhesion mediated by integrins, the recruitment and activation of c-Src, EGFR, ErbB2 and involvement of endocan, influence crucial stages of endothelial-mesenchymal transition

Endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a newly recognized type of cellular transdifferentiation, is an essential process that occurs during embryonic development and participates in a number of adult pathologies. Also, the adhesion of cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is known as a critical requisite to generate various cellular changes related to EndoMT. We will review recent findings describing novel signaling mechanisms implicated in the progression of EndoMT that involves changes in distribution and organization of tyrosine kinases receptors (RTKs) that include EGFR and ErbB2/Neu and non-RTKs such as c-Src as well as ECM arterial wall proteoglycans such as endocan, which is associated to soluble growth factors (EGF, TGF-alpha) or inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta). The potential role of endocan is also discussed. Exploration of the signaling mechanisms of EndoMT may provide novel therapeutic strategies for treating pathologies.