Cell state · L2
EC.capillary.angiogenic_tip
1,280 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
APLN, CD9, CHST1, CTHRC1, CXCR4, ESM1, HOMER3, LOX, LY6H, PGF, TNFRSF4, UBTD1
Annotation genes
APLN, CTHRC1, CXCR4, ESM1, LOX, PGF
Annotation rationales
ESM1 (endocan), APLN, CXCR4, and PGF are classic tip-cell drivers that promote migration toward VEGF/CXCL12 gradients. LOX and CTHRC1 enable ECM crosslinking/remodeling, easing invasion through basement membrane; CD9 supports adhesion and microvesicle signaling. This defines protrusive, guidance-competent ECs at sprout tips.
Functional implications
Sprout leaders: extend filopodia, sense angiogenic cues, and remodel perivascular ECM to forge paths for stalk cells. They set chemotactic gradients, coordinate anastomosis, and initiate lumenization, expanding the capillary plexus while balancing matrix stiffness via LOX-mediated crosslinking.
Marker and functional descriptions are atlas annotations. Explore gene expression, trait associations and regulatory elements in the interactive browsers; see the browser guide.