Vascular endothelial growth factor

Definition

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signal protein that stimulates the formation of blood vessels, playing a crucial role in angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel development. This protein is essential not only in normal physiological processes like wound healing and growth but also in pathological conditions such as cancer, where it can promote tumor growth by enhancing blood supply.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. VEGF was first discovered in the 1980s and has since been recognized as a major factor in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis.
2. There are several isoforms of VEGF, with VEGF-A being the most studied and recognized for its critical role in blood vessel formation.
3. VEGF interacts with specific receptors on endothelial cells (VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2) to initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation and migration.
4. In cancer therapy, anti-VEGF strategies have been developed to inhibit its function, aiming to cut off the blood supply to tumors and hinder their growth.
5. VEGF is also involved in other diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, highlighting its importance in both vascular health and disease.

Review Questions

• How does VEGF contribute to both normal physiological processes and pathological conditions like cancer?
  • VEGF plays a dual role by promoting angiogenesis necessary for normal functions like wound healing and tissue regeneration. However, in pathological conditions like cancer, it facilitates tumor growth by increasing blood supply to the cancerous tissues. This overproduction of VEGF in tumors can lead to excessive blood vessel formation, allowing tumors to grow larger and metastasize more effectively.
• Discuss the significance of the various isoforms of VEGF and their specific roles in vascular biology.
  • The different isoforms of VEGF have unique biological functions that cater to various aspects of vascular biology. For instance, VEGF-A is primarily involved in angiogenesis, while other isoforms may regulate permeability or attract specific types of cells. Understanding these isoforms helps researchers target specific pathways in therapeutic contexts, especially when considering treatments for conditions like cancer or ischemia where targeting vascular growth is crucial.
• Evaluate the implications of targeting VEGF in therapeutic strategies for diseases such as cancer and age-related macular degeneration.
  • Targeting VEGF in therapeutic strategies has significant implications for treating diseases characterized by unwanted angiogenesis. In cancer, anti-VEGF therapies aim to starve tumors by cutting off their blood supply, thus inhibiting their growth. Similarly, for age-related macular degeneration, blocking VEGF can prevent abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, preserving vision. This approach reflects a broader understanding of vascular biology and highlights how manipulating these pathways can lead to innovative treatments.

Related terms

Angiogenesis:

The formation of new blood vessels from existing ones, which is critical for growth and healing processes.

Endothelial Cells: The cells that line the blood vessels and are key players in the vascular response to VEGF, as they are stimulated to proliferate and migrate.

Hypoxia: A condition of insufficient oxygen in tissues, which can trigger the release of VEGF as a compensatory mechanism to promote blood vessel formation.