Description
Vascular endothelial-cadherin (VE-Cadherin) also known as cadherin-5 is an endothelial specific, homophilic adhesion molecule located at the lateral cell surface. VE-Cadherin is crucial for the proper assembly of vascular structures and the maintenance of vascular integrity. It plays a pivotal role in the formation, maturation and remodeling of the vascular wall. VE-cadherin is a positive and endothelial cell-specific regulator of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) signaling. Therefore, the reduction or inactivation of VE-cadherin may contribute to progression of diseases where TGF-beta signaling is impaired