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Michael J Davis

Publications and source records attributed to Michael J Davis.

21 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Regulation of ion channels by integrins.

Ion channels are regulated by protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues. Evidence for regulation of channels by tyrosine phosphorylation comes primarily from investigations of the effects of growth factors, which act through receptor tyrosine kinases. The purpose of the present work is to summarize evidence for the regulation of ion channels by integrins, through their downstream, nonreceptor tyrosine kinases. We review both direct and indirect evidence for this regulation, with particular emphasis on Ca2+-activated K+ and voltage-gated Ca2+ channels. We then discuss the critical roles that cytoskeletal, focal-adhesion, and channel-associated scaffolding proteins may play in localizing nonreceptor tyrosine kinases to the vicinity of ion channels. We conclude by speculating on the physiological significance of these regulatory pathways.

Animals↗

Integrins as unique receptors for vascular control.

Cells within the vascular wall connect their cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through a family of cell surface receptors known as integrins. The ability of integrins to act as a link between the extracellular and intracellular environments allows transmission of inside-out and outside-in signals capable of modulating diverse vascular phenomena. In this review we summarize what is currently known about the involvement of integrins in the control of vascular tone, permeability and remodeling. We discuss the capacity of integrins to act as detectors of injury-generated molecules derived from ECM proteins, as well as the putative role of integrins as mechanosensors for shear and tension. Particular attention is given to the mechanisms responsible for linking integrins to the control of vascular tone, and we review the intracellular signaling pathways involved in effecting the vascular responses elicited by integrin activation. Finally, the involvement of integrins in vascular remodeling and vascular disease is analyzed. Considerable evidence strongly indicates that integrins are involved in both acute and chronic vascular control. Understanding the elements and the sequence of events linking integrins with vasoregulation is important for deciphering phenomena such as the pressure-dependent myogenic response, flow-dependent changes in vascular diameter, and vascular remodeling as they occur in physiological and pathological conditions. Further understanding of the role of integrins in vascular control holds promise as new avenues for prophylactic and therapeutic manipulation of vascular phenomena.

Animals↗