The angiopoietin/TIE receptor system: Focusing its role for ischemia-reperfusion injury

• The mechanisms leading to I/R injury are briefly reviewed.
• A detailed overview of the alterations of ANG/TIE during I/R syndrome is given.
• Recent approaches involving ANG/TIE to mitigate I/R injury are presented.
• The article provides a complete picture, in order to help solving unanswered questions.

Ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) are of fatal consequence for the affected organs, as they provoke a profound inflammatory reaction. This thoroughly destroys cells and tissues, inducing functional failure or even complete loss of organ function. Since I/R is primarily a vascular problem, the interaction between the endothelium and the surrounding environment is of great significance. The angiopoietins (ANG) and the TIE receptors are key players for the vascular homeostasis. This review summarizes biochemical and cellular mechanisms leading to I/R injury. After a brief introduction to the ANG/TIE system, a comprehensive overview of its role for the development of I/R syndrome is given. Finally, current therapeutic approaches to mitigate the consequences of I/R by modulating ANG/TIE signaling are reviewed in detail.