Gene expression profiling in an in vitro model of angiogenesis

In the present study we have used a novel, comprehensive mRNA profiling tec hnique (GeneCalling) for determining differential gene expression profiles of human endothelial cells undergoing differentiation into tubelike structu res. One hundred fifteen cDNA fragments were identified and shown to repres ent 90 distinct genes, Although some of the genes identified have previousl y been implicated in angiogenesis, potential roles for many new genes, incl uding OX-40, white protein homolog, KIAA0188, a homolog of angiopoietin-2, ADAMTS-4 (aggrecanase-1), and stanniocalcin were revealed. Support for the biological significance was confirmed by the abrogation of the changes in t he expression of angiogenesis inhibitors and in situ hybridization studies. This study has significantly extends the molecular fingerprint of the chan ges in gene expression that occur during endothelial differentiation and pr ovides new insights into the potential role of a number of new molecules in angiogenesis.