Figure 1.

Proposed signaling mechanism downstream of the mechano-sensory complex composed of PECAM-1 (Platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (1), VE-cadherin (Vascular endothelial cadherin) and VEGFR2 (Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (2) which could be relevant in arteriogenesis. eRNA released from EC (endothelial cells) upon shear stress enhances binding of VEGF to VEGFR2 and NRP-1 (Neuropilin-1) thus inducing the signaling mechanisms leading to endothelial cell activation and proliferation as well as leukocyte recruitment and adhesion. The intracellular compartment (EC) is depicted in yellow, the extracellular vessel lumen in red. Arrows indicate the various steps of the signaling pathways. [NF-κB (nuclear factor ’kappa-light-chain-enhancer’ of activated B-cells); PI3K (Phosphoinositide 3-kinases); PLC (Phospholipase C); PKB/AKT (Protein kinase B)].