Mitochondria and Angiogenesis

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a dynamic and energy-consuming process, requiring endothelial cells to switch from a quiescent state to a migratory and proliferative phenotype in order to support the formation of new blood vessels. Despite their proximity to oxygenated blood endothelial cells are adept at utilizing glycolysis as an energy source to the detriment of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. In this context, endothelial mitochondria have emerged as signaling hubs that modulate a wide range of endothelial functions, including angiogenesis, by coordinating reactive oxygen species and calcium signaling, metabolism and apoptosis. In this chapter we present an overview of the mitochondrial functions implicated in promoting or hindering the angiogenic capacity of endothelial cells, with emphasis on the mitochondrial proteins directly linked to angiogenesis. We also focus on recent findings identifying mitochondrial targeting compounds that exhibit pro-angiogenic or anti-angiogenic properties, and could therefore be of clinical importance for the treatment of vascular pathologies.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Apoptosis; Endothelial cells; Metabolism; Mitochondria; Reactive oxygen species.