Molecular biology of the VEGF and the VEGF receptor family.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the founding member of a still growing family of endothelial cell growth factors. The diverse functions of VEGF and its homologues (PIGF, VEGF-B, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and VEGF-E) can be explained by their differential binding to the three signaling VEGF receptors. The VEGF family members PIGF and VEGF-B with exclusive binding capacities to the VEGFR-1 can influence monocyte activation and differentiation. The VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 binding VEGF homologues, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, are mitogens for both vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells. The orf virus encoded VEGF-E homologue binds and activates only the VEGFR-2 and thus may be the prototype of a vascular endothelial cell-specific growth factor. Further specific activities of VEGF and its homologues result from receptor-specific signaling and differential expression of ligands or receptors. A naturally occurring soluble form of the VEGFR-1 suggests a regulatory role for this receptor. Finally, the production and activation of factors involved in the coagulation/fibrinolytic system provide further evidence for the hypothesis that processes of hemostasis are involved in angiogenesis.
Clauss
M
M
MPI für Physiologische und Klinische Forschung, Bad Nauheim, Germany. M.Clauss@Kerckhoff.mpg.de
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005342:Fibrinolysis; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000502:physiology*; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor / Q000502:physiology*; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; D015398:Signal Transduction; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D017978:Receptors, Growth Factor; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor