Role of the ETS transcription factors in the control of endothelial-specific gene expression and in angiogenesis

The transcription factors of the ETS family are involved in the control of the endothelial-specific expression of genes that are important for the for mation of new blood vessels. The analysis of the expression pattern of ets 1, the gene inactivation of tel and fli 1, the in vitro analysis of potenti al target genes of ETS factors in endothelial cells, the in vivo studies of the promoter regions of endothelial-specific genes all demonstrate a role for ETS factors in this specificity. However, the precise role of individua l ETS factors in the endothelial identity and in angiogenesis in general re mains difficult to understand in vivo.