Integrin-linked Kinase: It's Role in the Vascular System

Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is an intracellular molecule that binds to the cytoplasmic domain of β1 and β3-integrin. It has been previously demonstrated in various epithelial cell lines to mediate the ‘outside-in’ signals into the cells and to control the survival of these cells by controlling the phosphorylation of various downstream proteins, such as protein kinase B/Akt (PKB/Akt). We now present in this review the important role of ILK in the vascular system with particular emphasis on its role in endothelial cells (ECs). The results presented here demonstrate that ILK is essential for the proper function, structure and survival of ECs and finally, for the process of neovascularization.