JAM-A promotes neutrophil chemotaxis by controlling integrin internalization and recycling.

The membrane-associated adhesion molecule JAM-A is required for neutrophil infiltration in inflammatory or ischemic tissues. JAM-A expressed in both endothelial cells and neutrophils has such a role, but the mechanism of action remains elusive. Here we show that JAM-A has a cell-autonomous role in neutrophil chemotaxis both in vivo and in vitro, which is independent of the interaction of neutrophils with endothelial cells.

Organization and signaling of endothelial cell-to-cell junctions in various regions of the blood and lymphatic vascular trees.

Adhesive intercellular junctions between endothelial cells are formed by tight junctions and adherens junctions. In addition to promoting cell-to-cell adhesion, these structures regulate paracellular permeability, contact inhibition of endothelial cell growth, cell survival, and maintenance of cell polarity. Furthermore, adherens junctions are required for the correct organization of new vessels during embryo development or during tissue proliferation in the adult.

Functionally specialized junctions between endothelial cells of lymphatic vessels.

Recirculation of fluid and cells through lymphatic vessels plays a key role in normal tissue homeostasis, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Despite recent advances in understanding lymphatic function (Alitalo, K., T.

The G/C915 polymorphism of transforming growth factor beta1 is associated with human longevity: a study in Italian centenarians.

Sequence variations in a variety of pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokine genes have been found to influence successful aging and longevity. Because of the role played by the transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1) cytokine in inflammation and regulation of immune responses, the variability of the TGF-beta1 gene may affect longevity by playing a role in inflamm-aging. Two polymorphisms, G/A -800 and C/T -509, located in the 5' region, and two missense polymorphisms, T/C 869 and G/C 915 which change (Leu > Pro)10 and (Arg > Pro)25, respectively, located in the signal peptide, were analysed in 419 subjects from Northern and Central Italy, including 172 centenarians and 247 younger controls.