Genetics, epigenetics and pharmaco-(epi)genomics in angiogenesis.

ABSTRACT: Angiogenesis is controlled by a balance between pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. Studies in mice and human beings have shown that this balance, as well as the general sensitivity of the endothelium to these factors, is genetically pre-determined. In an effort to dissect this genetic basis, different types of genetic variability have emerged: mutations and translocations in angiogenic factors have been linked to several vascular malformations and haemangiomas, whereas SNPs have been associated with complex genetic disorders, such as cancer, neurodegeneration and diabetes. In addition, copy number alterations of angiogenic factors have been reported in several tumours. More recently, epigenetic changes caused by aberrant DNA methylation or histone acetylation of anti-angiogenic molecules ha

SUBMITTER: Buysschaert I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3828872 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature