However, the fact that VEGF and SDF-1 levels in the plasma and ischemic tissue increased, even in the HSF1-KO mice after induction of ischemia that was similar to the WT mice, indicated that the impairment in angiogenic potential in the HSF1-KO mice is likely not attributable to decreased levels of VEGF and SDF-1. The gene discussed is CXCL12; the disease is ischemia.