Methylentetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene, Plasma Homocyst(e)ine and Folate Levels, and Coronary Artery Disease in the GENICA (Genetic and Environmental Factors in Coronary Atherosclerosis) Study

treated cells, a number of differentially expressed transcripts were identified and cloned. Sequence homology search revealed and matched the identified clones to 1) a small subset of genes known to be involved in angiogenesis, e.g. platelet endothelial cell adhe- sion molecule 1 (PECAM-I), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), endothelin converting enzyme 1 (ECE-I), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2); 2) a large subset of known genes with known function, but not involved in angiogenesis to date; and 3) about 5-10% of the clones were novel genes with unknown function, such as a putative G-protein coupled receptor. Thus there are clusters of related gene products, differentially regulated and involved with cholinergic, proliferative and apoptotic action. cDNA rmcroarray analysis (-48,000 elements) validated our findings Conclwon: Nico- tme promotes angiogenesis through stimulation of angiogenic mechanisms partly through the cholinerglc pathway. Therapeutic modulation of nAChR may be useful in dls- orders of angiogenesis. 9:45 a.m. 804-3