Endoteltillväxtfaktor

Endoteltillväxtfaktor (Endothelial Growth Factor), often abbreviated as VEGF, is a crucial protein involved in the development of new blood vessels. This process is known as angiogenesis. VEGF plays a vital role in both normal physiological processes, such as embryonic development and wound healing, and in pathological conditions like cancer, where it promotes tumor growth and metastasis.

VEGF is a signaling protein that binds to specific receptors on the surface of endothelial cells, the cells that line the interior of blood vessels. This binding triggers a cascade of intracellular events that leads to the proliferation, migration, and survival of these cells, ultimately forming new blood vessels. The regulation of VEGF production and activity is complex, involving various signaling pathways and transcription factors.

In the context of disease, particularly cancer, tumor cells often overexpress VEGF to ensure they receive an adequate blood supply for their rapid growth. This makes VEGF a significant target for therapeutic interventions. Anti-VEGF therapies aim to inhibit the action of VEGF, thereby starving tumors of their blood supply and hindering their growth and spread. Research continues to explore the multifaceted roles of VEGF in various biological processes and its potential as a therapeutic target for a range of diseases.