Angiopoietin-2 in CLL by Jan A. Burger Blood Volume 116(4):508-509 July 29, 2010 ©2010 by American Society of Hematology
Quiescent endothelial cells (ECs) are in intimate contact with pericytes and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Quiescent endothelial cells (ECs) are in intimate contact with pericytes and smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Vascular stability and integrity is maintained by constitutive Ang-1/Tie2 signaling (left side). Ang-1 clusters Tie2 receptors at endothelial cell junctions.2 Upon activation, ECs normally release their endogenously stored Ang-2 pools from Weibel-Palade bodies. Ang-2 activates ECs by competition with the homeostatic Ang-1 for binding to their common EC receptor, Tie2. CLL cells also can release Ang-2 and thereby induce EC activation and angiogenesis. Jan A. Burger Blood 2010;116:508-509 ©2010 by American Society of Hematology