The ETS-related factor TEL is regulated by angiogenic growth factor VEGF in HUVE-cells

Angiogenesis is a multistage process that requires, at its early stages, proliferation of endothelial cells, the break down of the basement membrane, and subsequent budding of new vessel-like structures. The regulation of the process of endothelial cell proliferation and migration during angiogenesis involves the ETS family of transcription factors. The TEL gene is an ETS family transcription factor that may play a role in vessel formation. VEGF is a specific growth factor in vessel formation and in this study its regulatory effects on TEL gene expression are detailed. Moreover, it was shown that the effects of VEGF are mediated through the MAP kinase pathway via ERK2. In conclusion, TEL protein is endogenously expressed by HUVE-Cells during normal growth.