Endothelial cell contacts in inflammation and angiogenesis

Regulating the integrity of endothelial cell contacts is of central importance for leukocyte extravasation, endothelial permeability and angiogenesis. In recent years, several membrane proteins have been identified at endothelial cell contacts, which participate in the diapedesis process (the migration of leukocytes through the blood vessel wall). Some of these proteins are also relevant for the formation, maintenance or remodelling of blood vessels. This review will give a short overview on endothelial membrane proteins that control diapedesis and endothelial cell contacts, with a major emphasis on the cell adhesion molecules VE-cadherin and ESAM (endothelial selective adhesion molecule) and the endothelial selective receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase VE-PTP.