Cell state · L2
EC.arterial.angiogenic_tip
389 cells in the full atlas (not the displayed sample).
These are the cell-population annotations shown in the SCREATE Cell Browser.
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Marker genes
COL4A1, COL4A2, CTHRC1, FSCN1, LAMA4, NRP2, PGF, SNTB1, THY1
Annotation genes
CTHRC1, FSCN1, PGF, THY1
Annotation rationales
FSCN1 drives filopodia/lamellipodia for tip-cell migration; PGF (placental growth factor) engages VEGF–NRP axes to potentiate sprouting; CTHRC1/THY1 indicate ECM remodeling and fibroblast/immune crosstalk; basement-membrane genes (COL4A1/2, LAMA4) and SNTB1 suggest dynamic adhesion to a reworked matrix while advancing the sprout.
Functional implications
Leader cells of neovascular sprouts: extend actin-rich protrusions to sense gradients, secrete pro-angiogenic cues, and remodel pericellular matrix to invade dense ECM. They prime partial EndoMT-like plasticity to squeeze through stromal barriers and lay down a permissive track for following stalk cells in arterial remodeling or collateral growth.
Marker and functional descriptions are atlas annotations. Explore gene expression, trait associations and regulatory elements in the interactive browsers; see the browser guide.