SEMA3E and carotid atherosclerosis: This observation was supported by a concomitant upregulation of FGFR2, SEMA3E, and TWIST2, all associated with tissue hypoxia and angiogenesis.37, 38, 39 Previously, tissue hypoxia and induction of the HIF pathway, together with angiogenesis and inflammation, have been demonstrated in carotid atherosclerosis.28