Activation of fractalkine/CX3CR1 by vascular endothelial cells induces angiogenesis through VEGF-A/KDR and reverses hindlimb ischaemia

Abstract

Fkn-induced activation of CX3CR1 by ECs leads to in vivo angiogenesis through two sequential steps: the induction of HIF-1alpha and VEGF-A gene expression by CX3CR1 activation and the subsequent VEGF-A/KDR-induced angiogenesis. The potent induction of angiogenesis by Fkn can be used as a therapeutic strategy for alleviating peripheral ischaemia.