Ischemia-induced angiogenesis is impaired in aminopeptidase A deficient mice via down-regulation of HIF-1α

► Endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from Aminopeptidase A (APA)-null mice showed reduced induction of hypoxia-inducible-factor-1α in hypoxic conditions. ► This was associated with accelerated proteasomal degradation in ECs of APA-null mice. ► Vasculogenesis was not impaired in APA-null mice. ► In the hindlimb ischemia model, perfusion recovery in APA-null mice was decreased.