RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Regulation of Cellular Communication by Signaling Microdomains in the Blood Vessel Wall JF Pharmacological Reviews JO Pharmacol Rev FD American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics SP 513 OP 569 DO 10.1124/pr.112.007351 VO 66 IS 2 A1 Marie Billaud A1 Alexander W. Lohman A1 Scott R. Johnstone A1 Lauren A. Biwer A1 Stephanie Mutchler A1 Brant E. Isakson A2 Christopher J. Garland YR 2014 UL http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/66/2/513.abstract AB It has become increasingly clear that the accumulation of proteins in specific regions of the plasma membrane can facilitate cellular communication. These regions, termed signaling microdomains, are found throughout the blood vessel wall where cellular communication, both within and between cell types, must be tightly regulated to maintain proper vascular function. We will define a cellular signaling microdomain and apply this definition to the plethora of means by which cellular communication has been hypothesized to occur in the blood vessel wall. To that end, we make a case for three broad areas of cellular communication where signaling microdomains could play an important role: 1) paracrine release of free radicals and gaseous molecules such as nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species; 2) role of ion channels including gap junctions and potassium channels, especially those associated with the endothelium-derived hyperpolarization mediated signaling, and lastly, 3) mechanism of exocytosis that has considerable oversight by signaling microdomains, especially those associated with the release of von Willebrand factor. When summed, we believe that it is clear that the organization and regulation of signaling microdomains is an essential component to vessel wall function.