Regulation of Osteogenesis-Angiogenesis Coupling by HIFs and VEGF

Bone is a highly vascularized tissue, but the function of angiogenesis in bone modeling and remodeling is still poorly defined, and the molecular mechanisms that regulate angiogenesis in bone are only partially elucidated. Genetic manipulations in mice have recently highlighted the critical role of the hypoxia-inducible-factor/vascular endothelial growth factor pathway in coupling angiogenesis and osteogenesis. In this brief perspective, we review the current understanding of the mechanisms responsible for this coupling. Elucidation of such mechanisms will expand our knowledge of bone development and homeostasis, and it may aid in the design of new therapies for accelerating bone regeneration and repair. J Bone Miner Res 2009;24:1347-1353. Published online on June 29, 2009; doi: 10.1359/JBMR.090602