Novel transcriptional mediators of blood vessel development and endothelial differentiation

摘要

This invention relates to methods of modulating the development of blood vessels and/or endothelial cell differentiation in a mammal comprising altering the activity of an Ets transcription factor, which activates vascular specific genes. More particularly, the transcription factor comprises ELF-1, and transcription factors that are homologous to ELF-1. The invention further relates to methods of screening for compounds that affect the activity of these transcription factors, and therefore, affect the development of blood vessels and/or endothelial cell differentiation. The invention also relates to methods of using these compounds to treat diseases, or symptoms of diseases, by either increasing or decreasing blood vessel development and/or endothelial cell differentiation.