MULTIMERIN2: an extracellular matrix protein regulating angiogenesis by VEGF-A/VEGFR2 pathway

MULTIMERIN2 (MMRN2) is an ECM glycoprotein specifically deposited along the blood vessels in tight juxtaposition with endothelial cells (ECs) and is also present in the luminal side of the vessels. In this thesis work we demonstrate that MMRN2 plays a crucial role in the regulation of EC function, neoangiogenesis and tumor growth, interfering with the VEGF-A/VEGFR2 axis. Furthermore we hypothesize that secreted and deposited MMRN2 may function as a homeostatic barrier halting the sprouting of novel vessels, suggesting that this ECM protein could represent a promising novel tool for the development of new antiangiogenic drugs for clinical practice