Hedgehog regulates angiogenesis of intersegmental vessels through the VEGF signaling pathway.

Background: The cellular mechanisms regulating branching and growth of the intersegmental vessels (ISVs) are not well understood. We have carried out studies demonstrating that Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a major regulator of intersomitic vessel growth.

Results: Inhibition of Hh activity by cyclopamine completely blocks formation of intersomitic vessels in the avian embryo.