Verisuonikasvutekijä

Verisuonikasvutekijä, often abbreviated as VEGF, is a crucial signaling protein that plays a vital role in the development and regulation of blood vessels. Its primary function is to stimulate the formation of new blood vessels through a process known as angiogenesis. This process is essential for various physiological events, including embryonic development, wound healing, and the female reproductive cycle.

VEGF exerts its effects by binding 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 signals that promote cell proliferation, migration, and survival, all of which are necessary for the growth of new capillaries and larger blood vessels.

While vital for normal bodily functions, VEGF also plays a significant role in pathological conditions. In cancer, tumors often produce high levels of VEGF to promote their own blood supply, allowing them to grow and spread. This has made VEGF a target for anti-cancer therapies, with several drugs designed to inhibit VEGF signaling currently in use. Dysregulation of VEGF is also implicated in other diseases, such as certain eye conditions and inflammatory disorders. The intricate balance of VEGF activity is therefore critical for maintaining health.