Molecular mechanism of VEGF and its role in pathological angiogenesis

Abstract

Over the last seven decades, a significant scientific contribution took place in the delineation of the implications of vascular endothelial-derived growth factor (VEGF) in the processes of angiogenesis. Under pathological conditions, mainly in response to hypoxia or ischemia, elevated VEGF levels promote vascular damage and the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Indeed, the development of VEGF biology has revolutionized our understanding of its role in pathological conditions. Hence, targeting VEGF or VEGFmediated molecular pathways could be an excellent therapeutic strategy for managing cancers and intraocular neovascular disorders. Although anti-VEGF therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have limited clinical efficacy, they can still significantly improve the overall survival rate. This thus demands further investigation through the development of alternative strategies in the management of VEGF-mediated pathological angiogenesis. This review article focuses on the recent developments toward the delineation of the functional biology of VEGF and the role of anti-VEGF strategies in the management of tumor and eye pathologies. Moreover, therapeutic angiogenesis, an exciting frontier for the treatment of ischemic disorders, is highlighted in this review, including wound healing.

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Glioblastoma Multiforme: Challenges and Opportunities for Drug Delivery

“…VEGFR: GBM is a highly vascularized tumor and anti-angiogenic therapies have been widely investigated for its treatment [ 39 ]. VEGF is implicated in the process of angiogenesis [ 40 ]. It is activated in hypoxic conditions by translocation of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIF1α and HIF1β) to the nucleus.…”

Cytokine-Induced Neurogenesis and Angiogenesis Reversed Cognitive Decline in a Vascular Dementia Patient with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

“…We also applied VEGF from October 6, 2020, to February 26, 2021; in this interval, the patient exhibited improvements in verbal memory, executive function, and cognitive flexibility associated with the regeneration of MCA branches. Angiogenesis may be induced by VEGF in pathological conditions such as brain ischemia, as shown previously [12]. Progranulin may also play an important role in the recovery of memory and frontal lobe functions by enhancing the neurogenesis of the frontal and temporal lobes, as shown in a mouse model of ischemia [6,13].…”

Topical Application of Baicalin Combined with Echinacoside Ameliorates Psoriatic Skin Lesions by Suppressing the Inflammation-Related TNF Signaling Pathway and the Angiogenesis-Related VEGF Signaling Pathway

“…Angiogenesis and abnormal microvessels are important links in the pathogenesis of PSO, particularly vascular changes that precede epidermal hyperplasia in PSO . Angiogenesis is closely related to the VEGF signaling pathway, especially the key target VEGFA . It has been reported that VEGFA could promote the aggravation of PSO, and targeting VEGFA signaling in the epidermis could prevent the continued development of PSO …”