Figure 2:

Schematic diagram showing the interaction between Int-β1 and DPP-4, resulting in endothelial to mesenchymal transition during progressive fibrosis. Interaction between Int-β1 and DPP-4 leads to the formation of TGF-β1R and TGF-β2R heterodimer that causes mesenchymal programming of endothelial cells. In contrast to VEGF-R1, which induces the process of the TGF-β mediated EndMT and fibrosis, VEGF-R2 inhibits the process. Abbreviations: Int-β1: Integrin- β1; TGF-β: Transforming growth factor; EndMT: Endothelial to mesenchymal transition; VEGF-R: vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. STAT3, Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3; cSrc, non-receptor tyrosine kinase.