Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor (VEGFR)

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) is a type of protein that plays a crucial role in the regulation of angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation from pre-existing vessels. Pronounced as "vas-kyu-lar en-do-thee-lee-al growth fak-tor re-sep-tor", the term is derived from the Latin words 'vasculum' meaning 'vessel', 'endothelium' meaning 'inner layer', and 'receptor' meaning 'receiver'.

Function

VEGFR is a receptor tyrosine kinase that is primarily expressed in endothelial cells. It binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), triggering a series of signal transduction pathways that promote endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival. This process is essential for angiogenesis, which is critical for many physiological processes, including embryogenesis, wound healing, and menstrual cycle.

Types

There are three main types of VEGFR: VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3. Each type has a unique role in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, the formation of lymphatic vessels.

VEGFR-1: Also known as Flt-1 (Fms-like tyrosine kinase 1), it primarily modulates VEGF-A signaling.
VEGFR-2: Also known as KDR (Kinase insert domain receptor), it is the primary receptor through which VEGF exerts its angiogenic effects.
VEGFR-3: Also known as Flt-4 (Fms-like tyrosine kinase 4), it is primarily involved in lymphangiogenesis.

Clinical Significance

VEGFR is a target for cancer therapy because of its role in angiogenesis. Inhibitors of VEGFR, such as sunitinib and sorafenib, are used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, resistance to these drugs is a significant clinical challenge.

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor

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