Vascular System Defects and Impaired Cell Chemokinesis as a Result of Gα 13 Deficiency

Abstract

Heterotrimeric GTP-binding proteins (G proteins) participate in cellular signaling and regulate a variety of physiological processes. Disruption of the gene encoding the G protein subunit α 13 (Gα 13 ) in mice impaired the ability of endothelial cells to develop into an organized vascular system, resulting in intrauterine death. In addition, Gα 13 (−/−) embryonic fibroblasts showed greatly impaired migratory responses to thrombin. These results demonstrate that Gα 13 participates in the regulation of cell movement in response to specific ligands, as well as in developmental angiogenesis.