Various strategies led to the identification of transcription factors that
take part to the control of different steps during the formation of new blo
od vessels : the description of the expression pattern of genes encoding th
ese factors during embryonic development for ETS-1, ERG and FLI, SCL/TAL, G
ATA1 and 2, the description of the phenotype of embryos obtained after gene
inactivation by homologous recombination for ARNT or LKLF, and the study o
f transcriptional regulation in cultured endothelial cells for EGR1 or HOX-
D3. Altogether, these results showed that there is no transcription factor
specific for endothelial cells or for one step in the formation of blood ve
ssels. Rather, factors controlling gene expression induced by hypoxia, shea
r-stress or growth factors take part in the morphogenesis of the vascular t
ree. The study of these factors may allow to identify potential therapeutic
targets for treatments aimed at inhibiting or stimulating the development
of new blood vessels.