Atherosclerosis underlies most cardiovascular diseases, and is accepted as a primary cause
of mortality worldwide. Proteases have been implicated in the development and progression …

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical for all aspects of vascular biology. In concert with
supporting cells, endothelial cells (ECs) assemble a laminin-rich basement membrane …

The main challenges for programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) checkpoint
blockade lie in a lack of sufficient T cell infiltration, tumor immunosuppressive …

Breakdown and disorganization of extracellular matrix proteins like collagen, fibronectin and
elastin are main characteristics of skin aging due to the enhanced activation of proteolytic …

As their name implies, MMPs were first described as proteases that degrade extracellular
matrix proteins, such as collagens, elastin, proteoglycans, and laminins. However, studies of …

Inflammation and angiogenesis are frequently coupled in pathological situations such as
atherosclerosis, diabetes, and arthritis. The inflammatory response increases capillary …

Development and homeostasis of the cardiovascular system require intimate interactions
between endothelial and smooth muscle cells, which form a seamless circulatory network …

Cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM) is a common vascular dysplasia that affects both
systemic and central nervous system blood vessels. Loss of function mutations in the CCM2 …

Extracellular matrix synthesis and deposition surrounding the developing vasculature are
critical for vessel remodeling and maturation events. Although the basement membrane is …

Blood vessels, either in insufficient numbers or in excess, contribute to the pathogenesis of
many diseases. Agents that stimulate angiogenesis can improve blood flow in patients with …