Abstract: Ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are still the first killer that affecting health of Chinese residents. Angiogenesis participates in the repair process of tissue lesion after ischemia, and provides an effective method for the treatment of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Rho GTPase family plays a central role in the regulation of endothelial cytoskeleton morphology, migration and tubulogenesis. Cdc42, Rac1 and RhoA, which are members of the Rho GTPase family, have been found to be involved in the angiogenesis. Cdc42 induces endothelial filopodia formation and directs endothelial migration, promotes the recovery of damaged vascular endothelial barrier. Rac1 controls the formation of lamellar pseudopodia. RhoA regulates the formation of focal adhesions, and dynamic remodeling of anterior and posterior matrix adhesion during endothelial migration. Cdc42, Rac1 and RhoA cooperatively participate in the angiogenesis after ischemic injury. Although the roles of Rho GTPase in angiogenesis have not been fully understood, the prospects of which from basic research to clinical application are still worth exploring, which is of great significance for the prevention and treatment of ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Key words: angiogenesis, Rho GTPase, ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases