Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor: How It Transmits Its Signal

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an essential molecule in the development and formation of mammalian blood vessels in health and disease. VEGF is also increasingly implicated in other biological processes including renal development and pathophysiology. The biological activities of VEGF in vivo and in its target cells in culture are mediated through two receptor protein tyrosine kinases, KDR/Flk-1 and Flt-1. KDR/Flk-1 is able to mediate the tyrosine phosphorylation of several cellular components as well as the generation of second messengers. Recent findings have revealed novel signaling mechanisms which may mediate the biological actions of VEGF. In contrast, the signal transduction mechanisms triggered by Flt-1 remain largely unknown.

Increased Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Kidney Leads to Progressive Impairment of Glomerular Functions

“…In the early stage, in addition to the abnormalities of hypertrophic podocytes discussed, high levels of VEGF derived from podocytes can strongly bind to capillary endothelial cells through specific VEGF receptors, which may result in increased permeability or glomerular hyperfiltration by altering capillary fenestration or basement membrane components 26 or indirectly through the induction of nitric oxide and prostacyclin. 27 In our study, we found that many endothelial cells in glomeruli showed subendothelial edema (Figure 7C). It has been reported that VEGF stimulates increased synthesis of collagenase by endothelial cells, which would result in the proteolytic disruption of the basement membrane.…”

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Angiogenesis

“…VEGFR-2 appears to be the most important receptor in VEGF-induced mitogenesis and permeability (Waltenberger et al, 1994;Zachary, 1998). It has a lower affinity for VEGF-A (K d ϭ 400 -800 pM) than VEGFR-1 (Terman et al, 1994).…”

The Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and the Type 1 Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor Correlate with the Size of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Children and Young Adults

“…Vascular ENLXDTHELiAL growth factor (VEGF) is a Compelling evidence has shown that VEGF is critical for dimeric heparin-binding protein and the most imporgrowth of solid tumors (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). Without new blood vessel fortant growth factor for endothelial cells of the arteries, veins, mation, solid tumors are limited to a few millimeters in size, and lymphatics (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8).…”