Endothelial α5 and αv integrins cooperate in remodeling of the vasculature during development

Abstract

Integrin cell adhesion receptors and fibronectin, one of their extracellular matrix ligands, have been demonstrated to be important for angiogenesis using functional perturbation studies and complete knockout mouse models. Here, we report on the roles of the α5 and αv integrins, which are the major endothelial fibronectin receptors, in developmental angiogenesis. We generated an integrin α5-floxed mouse line and ablated α5 integrin in endothelial cells. Unexpectedly, endothelial-specific knockout of integrin α5 has no obvious effect on developmental angiogenesis. We provide evidence for genetic interaction between mutations in integrin α5 and αv and for overlapping functions and compensation between these integrins and perhaps others. Nonetheless, in embryos lacking both α5 and αv integrins in their endothelial cells, initial vasculogenesis and angiogenesis proceed normally, at least up to E11.5, including the formation of apparently normal embryonic vasculature and development of the branchial arches. However, in the absence of endothelial α5 and αv integrins, but not of either alone, there are extensive defects in remodeling of the great vessels and heart resulting in death at ~E14.5. We also found that fibronectin assembly is somewhat affected in integrin α5 knockout endothelial cells and markedly reduced in integrin α5/αv double-knockout endothelial cell lines. Therefore, neither α5 nor αv integrins are required in endothelial cells for initial vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, although they are required for remodeling of the heart and great vessels. These integrins on other cells, and/or other integrins on endothelial cells, might contribute to fibronectin assembly and vascular development.