Int6 silencing causes induction of angiogenic factors in neuronal cells via accumulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α and decreases brain damage in rats

► Int6 silencing causes up-regulation of angiogenic factors in neuronal cells. ► Int6/HIF2α pathway acts as a hypoxia-independent master switch of angiogenesis. ► Our findings could be of clinical value in the treatment of brain ischemia and injury.