Role of ETS family transcription factors in vascular development and angiogenesis

Abstract

The ETS family of transcription factors is defined by a conserved DNA-binding ETS domain that forms a winged helix-turn-helix structural motif. This family of transcription factors is involved in a diverse array of biological functions including cellular growth and differentiation, as well as organ development. Among the members of this family, ETS-1, ERG, Fli-1, TEL, and NERF-2 are expressed in endothelial cells and their progenitors. This review will summarize the role of ETS family transcription factors in vascular development and angiogenesis.