The biology of VEGF and its receptors

Nat Med. 2003 Jun;9(6):669-76. doi: 10.1038/nm0603-669.

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of physiological angiogenesis during embryogenesis, skeletal growth and reproductive functions. VEGF has also been implicated in pathological angiogenesis associated with tumors, intraocular neovascular disorders and other conditions. The biological effects of VEGF are mediated by two receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, which differ considerably in signaling properties. Non-signaling co-receptors also modulate VEGF RTK signaling. Currently, several VEGF inhibitors are undergoing clinical testing in several malignancies. VEGF inhibition is also being tested as a strategy for the prevention of angiogenesis, vascular leakage and visual loss in age-related macular degeneration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / genetics
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / metabolism*
  • Endothelial Growth Factors / therapeutic use
  • Endothelium, Vascular / cytology
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Growth Substances / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Lymphokines / genetics
  • Lymphokines / metabolism*
  • Lymphokines / therapeutic use
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic*
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic*
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Protein Isoforms / genetics
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

Substances

  • Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Growth Substances
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Lymphokines
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
  • Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor
  • Oxygen