Molecular mechanisms of VEGF-induced angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is a complex process that occurs in a series of inter-related steps, and in volves the release of pro-angiogenic factors. One of the most important angiogenic factors is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF regulates both vascular endothelial cell migration, proliferation and permeability, and functions as an anti-apoptotic factor for newly formed blood vessels. The biological effects of VEGF are mediated by two receptors, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, whose expression is mostly limited to the vascular endothelium. Angiogenesis, the role of VEGF in angiogenesis and the signal cascade regulating VEGF-induced angiogenesis are discussed.