Fli1 <sup>+</sup> cells transcriptional analysis reveals an Lmo2–Prdm16 axis in angiogenesis
Gianfranco Matrone, Bo Xia, Kaifu Chen, Martin A. Denvir, Andrew H. Baker, John P. Cooke
Abstract
Significance Understanding the molecular signals driving the development of vascular endothelium is important in seeking therapies for human disease. This work highlights the role of an epigenetic modifier and oncogene in the development of the vascular endothelium and angiogenesis in zebrafish. In particular, we show that the expression of the histone methyltransferase prdm16 is high in endothelial cells and that prdm16 is necessary for the endothelial differentiation and migration in vivo and in vitro in iPSC-derived endothelial cells. Moreover, prdm16 expression is mediated by Lmo2, a well-known oncogene implicated in angiogenesis and leukemogenesis. We hence unveil a role of prdm16 in endothelial development and angiogenesis and therefore propose that PRDM16 could be a target for therapeutic modulation of angiogenesis.