The discovery of placenta growth factor and its biological activity.
Angiogenesis is a complex biological phenomenon crucial for a correct embryonic development and for post-natal growth. In adult life, it is a tightly regulated process confined to the uterus and ovary during the different phases of the menstrual cycle and to the heart and skeletal muscles after prolonged and sustained physical exercise. Conversly, angiogenesis is one of the major pathological changes associated with several complex diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, arthritis, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Among the several molecular players involved in angiogenesis, some members of VEGF family, VEGF-A, VEGF-B and placenta growth factor (PlGF), and the related receptors VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR-1, also known as Flt-1) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2, also known as Flk-1 in mice and KDR in human) have a decisive role. In this review, we describe the discovery and molecular characteristics of PlGF, and discuss the biological role of this growth factor in physiological and pathological conditions.
Angiogenesis Laboratory and Stem Cell Fate Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics 'Adriano Buzzati-Traverso', Napoli, Italy. sandro.defalco@igb.cnr.it
Sandro
S
De Falco
D000818:Animals; D042783:Endothelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000235:genetics; D018919:Neovascularization, Physiologic / Q000235:genetics; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D010920:Placenta / Q000378:metabolism*; D000072483:Placenta Growth Factor; D011247:Pregnancy; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000378:metabolism; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000378:metabolism
C000608036:PGF protein, human; C000608037:Pgf protein, mouse; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D000072483:Placenta Growth Factor; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor