Inhibiting anti-angiogenic VEGF165b activates a miR-17-20a-Calcipressin-3 pathway that revascularizes ischemic muscle in peripheral artery disease

Therapies that can grow new blood vessels in the ischemic muscle are necessary to restore blood flow and provide relief to patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We have previously shown that blocking VEGF165b, a small protein involved in the regulation of regenerating blood vessels, promotes the growth of new blood vessels in the ischemic muscle. However, the mechanism by which this occurs is not clear. Here, we build on this existing knowledge and show the complex processes driving the growth of new blood vessels, which will help to supply blood to the ischemic muscle and provide therapeutic relief from PAD.