Plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein: A crucial component of vascular homeostasis

Endothelial subcellular structures, including caveolae, fenestrae and transendothelial channels, are crucial for regulating microvascular function. Plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein (PLVAP) is an endothelial cell-specific protein that forms the stomatal and fenestral diaphragms of blood vessels and regulates basal permeability, leukocyte migration and angiogenesis. Loss of PLVAP in mice leads to premature mortality due to disrupted homeostasis. Evidence from previous studies suggested that PLVAP is involved in cancer, traumatic spinal cord injury, acute ischemic brain disease, transplant glomerulopathy, Norrie disease and diabetic retinopathy. Specifically, PLVAP expression has been demonstrated to be upregulated in these diseases, accompanied by pro-angiogenic or pro-inflammatory responses. Therefore, PLVAP is considered a novel therapeutic target, in addition to an endothelial cell marker. The present review summarizes the structure and functions of PLVAP, and its roles in pathophysiological processes.