Role of ZEB1 in angiogenesis and therapeutic potential (Review)

Zinc finger E‑box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), a key transcription factor governing epithelial‑mesenchymal transition, plays indispensable roles in embryonic development, neural differentiation and a wide range of pathological processes. Emerging evidence has revealed that ZEB1 exerts multifaceted and context‑dependent functions in angiogenesis. Under physiological conditions, ZEB1 contributes to the regulation of vascular development and endothelial homeostasis, whereas in pathological settings it promotes aberrant neovascularization through diverse molecular mechanisms. In the present review, the structural characteristics, biological functions and regulatory mechanisms of ZEB1 were systematically summarized, with a particular focus on recent advances regarding its roles in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of targeting ZEB1 in vascular diseases was discussed and future research directions that may facilitate the development of novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of angiogenesis‑related disorders were highlighted.