E2F7 and E2F8 promote angiogenesis through transcriptional activation of VEGFA in cooperation with HIF1.

ABSTRACT: The E2F family of transcription factors plays an important role in controlling cell-cycle progression. While this is their best-known function, we report here novel functions for the newest members of the E2F family, E2F7 and E2F8 (E2F7/8). We show that simultaneous deletion of E2F7/8 in zebrafish and mice leads to severe vascular defects during embryonic development. Using a panel of transgenic zebrafish with fluorescent-labelled blood vessels, we demonstrate that E2F7/8 are essential for proper formation of blood vessels. Despite their classification as transcriptional repressors, we provide evidence for a molecular mechanism through which E2F7/8 activate the transcription of the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), a key factor in guiding angiogenesis. We show that E2F7/8 direc

SUBMITTER: Weijts BG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3463843 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature