Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) and angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) have opposing effects on vascular stability through their receptor Tie2, but there is evidence for Tie2-independent functions of Ang2. Here, Hakanpaa et al.show that Ang2 directly activates β1-integrin, leading to rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton and decreased VE-cadherin in cell–cell junctions.
- Laura Hakanpaa
- Tuomas Sipila
- Pipsa Saharinen