VEGF Signaling Pathway

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Source: https://www.bocsci.com/vegf-signaling-pathway.html

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a specific mitogen isolated from endothelial cells by researchers in the late 20th century, has been shown to have the ability to induce physiological and pathological angiogenesis. The VEGF family is a multifunctional cytokine that mainly includes six members, VEGF-A, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGF-E, and placental growth factor (PLGF). In many tumors, the level of expression is related to the degree of malignancy of the tumor.

Mammalian angiogenesis begins with the formation of an embryonic vascular network. Under the induction of hypoxia or inflammatory disease, pro-angiogenic factors such as VEGF, bFGF, and PDGF are produced in large quantities. It then binds to the corresponding receptor on the vascular endothelial cell membrane, which in turn triggers a downstream signaling cascade that promotes angiogenesis. Angiogenesis relies on the stimulation of extravascular pro-angiogenic factors. Under the action of extracellular matrix protease, the vascular basement membrane is first dissolved, thereby promoting the release of vascular endothelial cells to the extravascular vessels to form new blood vessels. Then, after remodeling and maturation, the new microvessels gradually integrate into the existing vascular system to form stable blood vessels. VEGF-mediated signal cascades are involved in each of the above-mentioned angiogenesis processes, directly controlling the occurrence and development of angiogenesis, and determining the results of angiogenesis to some extent.