FGD5 (or ZFYVE23) is an endothelial specific gene, plays a crucial role in vascular pruning. Deficient expression of FGD5 markedly inhibits neovascularization, indicated by in vitro tube-formation, aortic-ring, and coated-bead assays and by in vivo coated-bead plug assays and studies in the murine retina model. FGD5-deficient endothelial cells fail to migrate. Moreover, the cells are susceptible to proapoptotic stimuli associated with VEGF-stimulated activation of Akt. FGD5 promotes apoptosis-induced vaso-obliteration via induction of the hey1-p53 pathway by direct binding and activation of CDC42.,FGD5,ZFYVE23,FYVE,Signal Transduction,G protein signaling,Signal Transduction,FGD5