| abstract |
The present invention relates to the identification of a microRNA, designated miR-126, that is a regulator of vascular integrity in endothelial cells. This endothelial cell-restricted microRNA mediates developmental angiogenesis in vivo, and targeted deletion of miR-126 in mice causes leaky vessels, hemorrhaging, and partial embryonic lethality, due to a loss of vascular integrity and defects in endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. These vascular abnormalities resemble the consequences of diminished signaling by angiogenic growth factors, such as VEGF and FGF. These findings have important therapeutic implications for a variety of disorders involving abnormal angiogenesis and vascular leakage. Methods of treating disease states characterized by ischemia, vascular damage, and pathologic neovascularization by modulating miR-126 function are disclosed. |