Pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and either a therapeutically effective amount of an ECM-binding fragment of Ang-1 protein at comprises SEQ ID NO:1 and/or SEQ ID NO:2 or a homologous peptide thereof and pharmaceutical compositions that comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule that comprises the nucleotide sequence that encodes an ECM-binding fragment of Ang-1 protein that comprises SEQ ID NO:1 and/or SEQ ID NO:2 or a homologous peptide thereof are disclosed. Methods of using such compositions to treat individuals suspected of having coronary artery disease, vascular disease or a condition involving ischemia and to promote angiogenesis, endothelial survival and maintaining vascular integrity are disclosed. Methods to identify compounds that modulates binding of Ang-1 to ECM are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions which comprise a therapeutically effective amount of Ang-2 protein and/or a vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule that comprises the nucleotide coding sequence of Ang-2 and methods of using such compositions to treat individuals suspected of having cancer are disclosed.