title: The biology of VEGF and its receptors.
abstract: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of physiological angiogenesis during embryogenesis, skeletal growth and reproductive functions. VEGF has also been implicated in pathological angiogenesis associated with tumors, intraocular neovascular disorders and other conditions. The biological effects of VEGF are mediated by two receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, which differ considerably in signaling properties. Non-signaling co-receptors also modulate VEGF RTK signaling. Currently, several VEGF inhibitors are undergoing clinical testing in several malignancies. VEGF inhibition is also being tested as a strategy for the prevention of angiogenesis, vascular leakage and visual loss in age-related macular degeneration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Oncology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, USA. nf@gene.com
authors.forename: Napoleone
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ferrara
authors.forename: Hans-Peter
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Gerber
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: LeCouter
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
chemical_list: D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D006133:Growth Substances; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008222:Lymphokines; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor; D010100:Oxygen