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The Biology of Vascular Endothelial Cell Growth Factor Isoforms

  • Chapter
VEGF in Development

Part of the book series: Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit ((MBIU))

Abstract

The field of angiogenesis research was literally transformed overnight by the discovery of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Researchers quickly embraced VEGF in their different areas of vascular and angiogenesis research, and in the last two decades have discovered much about VEGF biology. It is now clear that VEGF is actually a collection of different isoforms. Through differential pre-mRNA splicing and protein processing, one VEGF gene gives rise to several different protein isoforms, which together orchestrate the complex processes of angiogenesis, vessel growth and adult vascular functions. The VEGF isoforms differ biochemically, and genetic experiments in mice have proven that the isoforms have different functions. Furthermore, certain VEGF isoforms associate with and likely play differential roles in various pathologic states. With better understanding of VEGF isoform biology, new insights into the complex mechanisms of VEGF-mediated vessel growth can be gained. In addition, findings about the specific VEGF isoform functions have important implications for VEGF-mediated therapeutic angiogenesis as well as anti-angiogenic therapy targeting VEGF.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. (OSI) Eyetech, 35 Hartwell Ave, Lexington, Massachusetts, 02421, USA

    Yin-Shan Ng

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  1. Yin-Shan Ng
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© 2008 Landes Bioscience and Springer Science+Business Media

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Ng, YS. (2008). The Biology of Vascular Endothelial Cell Growth Factor Isoforms. In: VEGF in Development. Molecular Biology Intelligence Unit. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-78632-2_1

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