Deciphering arterial identity through gene expression, genetics, and chemical biology

The present review presents a current view of vascular development, with a focus on the factors contributing to the establishment of arterial-venous identity and the potential of chemical biology for providing new insights into this field.

Genetics and gene expression studies have begun to define the complex network of molecular pathways that govern the formation of the embryonic vasculature, but these approaches have limited ability to spatially and temporally manipulate gene expression and function. Recently, the power of chemical biology, combined with model systems like zebrafish, has enabled discovery of additional contributors to vascular development and has provided a means of manipulating gene function with enhanced spatial and temporal control.

The molecular pathways directing arterial-venous specification during embryogenesis are relevant for understanding the causes of human arteriovenous malformations, tumor angiogenesis, and diabetic retinopathy. Through the complementary strengths of genetics and chemical biology, it is hoped that novel therapeutic approaches for these conditions will emerge.