Additionally, studies have revealed the impact of the CXCL13/CXCR5 axis on the homing and angiogenesis of EPCs in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly highlighting the role of CXCL12 in EPCs, especially in promoting angiogenesis and the migration of EPCs in inflammatory environments [33]. The gene discussed is CXCL13; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.