Abstract: Regulatory elements for controlling expression of transgenes in angiogenic tissue are provided. One embodiment provides an isolated nucleic acid having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1, or a fragment thereof that causes expression of a transgene in angiogenic tissue. Vectors containing SEQ ID NO:1 and one or more transgenes are also provided. A preferred vector is an adenovirus vector. The transgene can encode a cytotoxin, pro-apoptotic polypeptide, or a therapeutic polypeptide. SEQ ID NO:1 regulates the expression of the transgene such that the transgene is only expressed in angiogenic tissue including, but not limited to arteries feeding ischemic tissues. Methods of using vectors containing SEQ ID NO:1 are also provided.

Abstract: Arteriovenous malformation, or Arteriovenous vascular malformation (AVM) is a congenic disorder characterized by an abnormal connection between veins and arteries, resulting in hemorrhaging and even death. A lack of good animal models has long been an obstacle for identifying effective drugs for neurological AVM treatment. Describe herein is a mouse model for AVM that includes a viable, postnatal animal with a conditional deletion of the activin receptor-like kinase 1 (Alk1;Acvrl1). The Alk1-cKO mouse model can be used to identify genes and gene products that are upregulated in subjects suffering from AVM. For example, it has been discovered Agpt2, IL1?, and TNF-?, are upregulated in Alk1-cKO compared to controls. Pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of AVM are disclosed. Preferred compositions inhibit or decrease expression of angiogenic and pro-inflammatory factors, such as VEFG, Cox-2, Agpt2, IL1?, TNF-?, and matrix metalloproteinases.

Abstract: Regulatory elements for controlling expression of transgenes in angiogenic tissue are provided. One embodiment provides an isolated nucleic acid having at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:1, or a fragment thereof that causes expression of a transgene in angiogenic tissue. Vectors containing SEQ ID NO:1 and one or more transgenes are also provided. A preferred vector is an adenovirus vector. The transgene can encode a cytotoxin, pro-apoptotic polypeptide, or a therapeutic polypeptide. SEQ ID NO:1 regulates the expression of the transgene such that the transgene is only expressed in angiogenic tissue including, but not limited to arteries feeding ischemic tissues. Methods of using vectors containing SEQ ID NO:1 are also provided.