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VEGF: the predominant regulator of angiogenesis
Among the many factors implicated in angiogenesis, VEGF has been identified as the most potent and predominant. The scope of scientific research involving VEGF continues to grow exponentially. From 1995–2005, the number of VEGF-related abstracts presented at the annual meeting of ASCO increased 50-fold, highlighting the increased focus in research upon the role of VEGF in oncology.
What is VEGF?
VEGF (also known as VEGF-A, but commonly referred to simply as VEGF) stands for 'vascular endothelial growth factor'. This protein plays an important role in angiogenesis. As its name suggests, VEGF stimulates vascular endothelial cell growth, survival and proliferation. As seen in preclinical models, VEGF has been shown to facilitate survival of existing vessels, contribute to vascular abnormalities that may impede effective delivery of antitumour compounds, and stimulate new vessel growth.3,4,6–9
The structure of VEGF
This ribbon representation shows a dimerised VEGF/VEGFR complex, as observed by X-ray crystallography. Two monomers of VEGF (blue and yellow) are shown bound to domain two of the VEGFR-1 receptor (green).3 Ferrara N. Vascular endothelial growth factor: basic science and clinical progress.
Endocr Rev 2004;25(4):581–611. © 2004 The Endocrine Society. |