Endothelial cell invasion is an essential event during angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels). The process involves the degradation of the basement membrane and the underlying interstitium. The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family is considered to be primarily responsible for matrix degradation. Two members of the family, gelatinase A and B play an important role in angiogenesis. This review outlines recent findings on their regulation in @entity1 endothelial cells. Latent gelatinase B is secreted from endothelial cells. This enzyme can also accumulate in the cytosol as an active enzyme, free of @entity2843 . In contrast, latent gelatinase A is constitutively secreted from the cells. Unlike other MMPs, gelatinase A activation occurs on the cell membrane and is mediated by @entity1551 . A number of physiological activators have recently been described. These include @entity556 and activated protein C, both of which activate gelatinase A independent of the @entity1551 pathway. These new findings may lead to therapeutic interventions for the treatment of angiogenic-dependent diseases such as @entity5 and @entity625 .

XXXX endothelial gelatinases and angiogenesis.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['human'] @entity556 :: ('2147', 'Gene') :: ['thrombin'] @entity625 :: ('MESH:D001168', 'Disease') :: ['arthritis'] @entity5 :: ('MESH:D009369', 'Disease') :: ['cancer'] @entity1551 :: ('4323', 'Gene') :: ['MT1-MMP'] @entity2843 :: ('7076', 'Gene') :: ['TIMP-1']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['Human']
