Angiogenesis - Overview of the role of Angiopoietins and VEGF

Ang1 is constitutively expressed in the quiescent vasculature where it activates Tie2 (and possibly Tie1) to regulate vascular stability. Following perturbation of the vessel (through ischemia or injury), Ang2 is upregulated and blocks the stabilizing effects of Ang1.  In the presence of VEGF or other endothelial mitogens, Ang2 facilitates angiogenesis. In the absence of VEGF, Ang2 has been linked to vascular regression, which may be important in a number of diseases characterized by loss of vessel density, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and heart failure.

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