vasculogenes

Vasculogenes is a term used to describe genes that regulate the formation and patterning of blood vessels, primarily through vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. These genes control endothelial cell fate, proliferation, migration, tubulogenesis, and the maturation and stabilization of vessels. The process begins with endothelial specification during embryogenesis, followed by the formation of primary vascular networks and subsequent remodeling.

Key components include growth factors such as the VEGF family (VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFC) and their receptors (VEGFR1/FLT1, VEGFR2/KDR, VEGFR3/FLT4); angiopoietins (ANGPT1, ANGPT2) and their receptor TEK/TIE2; along with signaling pathways like Notch (NOTCH1-4, DLL4), Wnt, and TGF-β. Transcription factors such as ER71/ETV2, SOX17, and other endothelial determinants drive endothelial differentiation. Mural cell recruitment and vessel maturation involve PDGF-B/PDGFR-β and angiopoietin signaling. Matrix remodeling and invasion involve matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP9) and lysyl oxidase–like enzymes. Hypoxia-responsive elements via HIF1A also regulate vasculogenic gene expression in low oxygen conditions.

Role in development and disease: Vasculogenic genes are essential for embryonic vascular development and postnatal tissue repair. Dysregulation contributes to pathological angiogenesis in cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and inflammatory diseases, and they are targets for anti-angiogenic therapies. Conversely, they are studied in regenerative medicine to promote tissue vascularization.

See also: vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, endothelial cells, tumor angiogenesis.