Review Paper:
Specific Endothelial
Promoters for Targeted Gene Expression and Gene Therapy
Margarita Shuvalova and Arina Shokhina
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(6); 157-164;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/206rjbt1570164; (2025)
Abstract
Tissue-specific promoters play a crucial role in both fundamental research and practical
applications. They allow targeted gene expression only in specific cell types, minimizing
off-target effects on neighboring cells. In the context of gene therapy for vascular
diseases, the use of tissue-specific promoters becomes particularly important to
minimize non-targeted transgene expression and potential side effects. Endothelial
cells, which line blood vessels and regulate the exchange of substances between
blood and organs, are potential targets for gene therapy in certain vascular diseases.
Several endothelial-specific promoters have been proposed and characterized to date,
including Tie1 and Tie2, PECAM-1, ICAM-1, E- and P-selectins, Flt1 and flk-1, endoglin,
eNOS, claudin 5, VE-Cadherin, preproendothelin-1 and von Willebrand factor. In this
review, we discuss the characteristics and applications of these endothelial-specific
promoters. We highlight their advantages and limitations and explore their potential
in gene therapy.
