endoteelikasvutekijän

Endoteelikasvutekijä refers to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) in Estonian. VEGF is a signaling protein produced by cells that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, a process known as angiogenesis. It plays a crucial role in both normal physiological processes, such as wound healing and embryonic development, and in pathological conditions, including cancer and blindness.

VEGF exerts its effects by binding to specific receptors on the surface of endothelial cells, the cells that line the inside of blood vessels. This binding triggers a cascade of intracellular events that lead to endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival, ultimately forming new blood vessels.

In cancer, tumors often secrete VEGF to promote their own blood supply, which is essential for their growth and metastasis. This has made VEGF a significant target for anti-cancer therapies. Drugs designed to inhibit VEGF or its receptors can starve tumors of nutrients and oxygen, slowing their growth and spread.

Beyond cancer, VEGF is implicated in various other conditions. In diseases like age-related macular degeneration, excessive VEGF can lead to abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye, causing vision loss. Conversely, insufficient VEGF can impair wound healing or contribute to conditions like peripheral artery disease. Research continues to explore the multifaceted roles of VEGF and its therapeutic potential.