VEGF

VEGF or Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor is a signal protein produced by cells that stimulates the formation of blood vessels. It is part of the system that restores the oxygen supply to tissues when blood circulation is inadequate. The VEGF proteins are important for the process of angiogenesis, the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature.

Function

VEGF's normal function is to create new blood vessels during embryonic development, after injury, or to bypass blocked vessels. However, it can also contribute to disease. Solid cancers cannot grow beyond a limited size without an adequate blood supply; cancers that can express VEGF are able to grow and metastasize. Overexpression of VEGF can cause vascular disease in the retina of the eye and other parts of the body.

Structure

VEGF is a heparin-binding protein, existing in several isoforms with differing numbers of amino acids. These isoforms are produced through alternative gene splicing of mRNA. The most common isoform, VEGF165, is a homodimeric glycoprotein of 45 kDa.

Clinical significance

VEGF inhibitors like bevacizumab are used to treat certain cancers and age-related macular degeneration. They can also be used to treat diabetic retinopathy by inhibiting new blood vessel growth in the retina of the eye.

See also

• Angiogenesis
• VEGF receptors
• VEGF inhibitors

VEGF Resources
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