Regulatory crosstalk between Hox genes and miRNAs during angiogenesis

Angiogenesis, or the growth of new blood vessels, is critical to both health and disease. Several genes are implicated in the regulation of angiogenesis, such as genes encoding growth factors, cytokines, and the extracellular matrix, as well as transcription factors. Among them, Hox genes exert master regulatory effects on several aspects of angiogenesis. The mechanism by which Hox genes are controlled is not well understood. However, recently microRNAs (miRNAs) have been introduced as candidates for Hox gene regulation. This review provides a comprehensive description of Hox genes and miRNAs involved in angiogenesis and presents possible regulatory interactions between them.