Temporal Dynamics of Endothelium After Radiation Injury Reveal a Transient Pro-Angiogenic Capillary Subpopulation Associated With Skin Repair
March 2026
in “
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
”
vascular endothelial cells VECs ionizing radiation capillary endothelial subpopulation capVEC2 pro-angiogenic signaling keratinocytes immune surveillance tissue homeostasis pro-inflammatory signaling pro-apoptotic signaling Sp1 regulatory activity vascular-epidermal communication skin repair endothelial cells radiation capillary cells angiogenesis skin cells immune system cell death gene regulation skin healing
TLDR A temporary capillary cell type helps skin repair after radiation by promoting blood vessel growth.
The study examines the effects of radiation injury on vascular endothelial cells in mouse skin, focusing on a transient capillary endothelial subpopulation, capVEC2, which emerges 2-3 days post-irradiation. This subpopulation initially promotes angiogenesis and skin repair through Sp1-driven transcriptional activity and signaling pathways like VEGF, FGF, and Wnt. By day 3, capVEC2 shifts towards immune surveillance and tissue homeostasis, with increased pro-inflammatory signaling and decreased abundance. The research, conducted on 60 mice, highlights capVEC2's role in vascular remodeling and tissue repair, suggesting its potential in therapeutic strategies for radiation-induced vascular damage.
