Vascular endothelial growth factor

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).

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 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.

Clinical significance

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.

See also

• Angiogenesis
• Vasculogenesis
• Platelet-derived growth factor
• Endothelial cells
• Macular degeneration

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