Vascular endothelial growth factor: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:44, 9 February 2025

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a signal protein produced by cells that stimulates the formation of blood vessels. It is a part of the system that restores the oxygen supply to tissues when blood circulation is inadequate. VEGF is a sub-family of growth factors, the platelet-derived growth factor family of cystine-knot growth factors.

Function

VEGF plays a crucial role in both vasculogenesis (the de novo formation of the embryonic circulatory system) and angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature). It is a key regulator of endothelial cell function, promoting cell proliferation, migration, and survival.

Isoforms

File:VEGF isoforms.png

Different isoforms of VEGF

VEGF exists in multiple isoforms, which are produced by alternative splicing of mRNA from a single, 8-exon VEGF gene. These isoforms have different properties and functions, influencing their ability to bind to receptors and extracellular matrix components.

Receptors

File:VEGF receptors.png

VEGF receptors

VEGF exerts its effects by binding to tyrosine kinase receptors on the surface of endothelial cells. The main receptors for VEGF are VEGFR-1 (Flt-1), VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1), and VEGFR-3. Each receptor has distinct roles in mediating the biological effects of VEGF.

Clinical Significance

VEGF is involved in both normal and pathological processes. It is essential for wound healing and the formation of new blood vessels after injury. However, overexpression of VEGF can lead to diseases such as cancer, where it promotes tumor growth and metastasis by increasing blood supply to the tumor. Anti-VEGF therapies are used in the treatment of various cancers and eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration.

Related Pages

References

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-'''Vascular endothelial growth factor''' ('''VEGF'''), also known as '''vascular permeability factor''' ('''VPF'''), is a signal protein produced by cells that stimulates the formation of blood vessels. VEGF is a sub-family of growth factors, specifically the platelet-derived growth factor family of cystine-knot growth factors. They are important signaling proteins involved in both vasculogenesis (the de novo formation of the embryonic circulatory system) and angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature).
+== Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor ==
+[[File:VEGF_Vammin.png|thumb|Vammin, a VEGF protein from snake venom]]
+'''Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor''' ('''VEGF''') is a signal protein produced by cells that stimulates the formation of blood vessels. It is a part of the system that restores the oxygen supply to tissues when blood circulation is inadequate. VEGF is a sub-family of growth factors, the platelet-derived growth factor family of cystine-knot growth factors.
 == Function ==
-VEGF's normal function is to create new blood vessels during embryonic development, new blood vessels after injury, muscle following exercise, and new vessels (collateral circulation) to bypass blocked vessels. When VEGF is overexpressed, it can contribute to disease. Solid cancers cannot grow beyond a limited size without an adequate blood supply; cancers that can express VEGF are able to grow and metastasize. Overexpression of VEGF can cause vascular disease in the retina of the eye and other parts of the body.
-== Structure ==
+VEGF plays a crucial role in both vasculogenesis (the de novo formation of the embryonic circulatory system) and angiogenesis (the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature). It is a key regulator of endothelial cell function, promoting cell proliferation, migration, and survival.
-VEGF is a heparin-binding protein, and is homodimeric. The molecule is a glycosylated mitogen that specifically acts on endothelial cells and has various effects, including mediating increased vascular permeability, inducing angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and endothelial cell growth, promoting cell migration, and inhibiting apoptosis.
+== Isoforms ==
-== Clinical significance ==
+[[File:VEGF_isoforms.png|thumb|Different isoforms of VEGF]]
-In medicine, suppression of VEGF, known as anti-VEGF therapy, has been shown to be an effective treatment for certain types of cancer and for wet macular degeneration.
+VEGF exists in multiple isoforms, which are produced by alternative splicing of mRNA from a single, 8-exon VEGF gene. These isoforms have different properties and functions, influencing their ability to bind to receptors and extracellular matrix components.
+== Receptors ==
+[[File:VEGF_receptors.png|thumb|VEGF receptors]]
+VEGF exerts its effects by binding to tyrosine kinase receptors on the surface of endothelial cells. The main receptors for VEGF are VEGFR-1 (Flt-1), VEGFR-2 (KDR/Flk-1), and VEGFR-3. Each receptor has distinct roles in mediating the biological effects of VEGF.
+== Clinical Significance ==
+VEGF is involved in both normal and pathological processes. It is essential for wound healing and the formation of new blood vessels after injury. However, overexpression of VEGF can lead to diseases such as cancer, where it promotes tumor growth and metastasis by increasing blood supply to the tumor. Anti-VEGF therapies are used in the treatment of various cancers and eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration.
+== Related Pages ==
-== See also ==
 * [[Angiogenesis]]
-* [[Vasculogenesis]]
+* [[Endothelial cell]]
-* [[Platelet-derived growth factor]]
+* [[Growth factor]]
-* [[Endothelial cells]]
+* [[Cancer]]
-* [[Macular degeneration]]
+== References ==
+{{Reflist}}
 [[Category:Growth factors]]
 [[Category:Angiogenesis]]
-[[Category:VEGF]]
-{{stub}}