Figure 5.

Putative function of egfl7 in angiogenic sprouting. Angiogenic sprouting proceeds through the coordinated actions of tip and stalk cells. Tip cells lead the sprout through the environment, while stalk cells proliferate and thereby contribute to sprout extension. Concurrently or subsequently to invasion, sprouts lumenize, assemble a basal membrane and eventually, recruit smooth muscle cells. EGFL7 is found incorporated into the provisional ECM surrounding the sprout, whereas miR-126 targets numerous mRNA molecules within the cell, which affects proliferation and the process of angiogenic sprouting.