TEAD4 and age-related macular degeneration: [20] We have shown that human choroidal endothelial cells express TEAD4 transcripts in vitro and that expression is upregulated under conditions known to stimulate neovascularization. The potential role of hypoxia in the stimulation of VEGF expression in AMD is unclear. Here, we demonstrate the presence of TEAD4 protein in choroidal neovascular complexes in human eyes with neovascular AMD (Figure 10). Interestingly, HIF is absent from choroidal endothelial cells in AMD-related neovascular complexes, and thus a HIF-independent, TEAD4 pathway may regulate VEGF expression in these cells. [45].