VEGF Signaling (Angiogenesis)
Vascular endothelial growth factor driving new blood vessel formation.
Overview
VEGF-A binds to VEGFR-2 on endothelial cells, activating PLCγ-PKC, PI3K-AKT, and RAS-MAPK pathways. This promotes endothelial cell proliferation, migration, survival, and vascular permeability. Angiogenesis involves sprouting of new vessels from existing ones, guided by tip cells responding to VEGF gradients. Notch-Dll4 signaling regulates tip/stalk cell specification.
Cellular Location
Endothelial cell membrane → cytoplasm
Clinical Significance
Essential for embryonic development and wound healing; tumors hijack this for blood supply; anti-VEGF therapies (bevacizumab, aflibercept) used in cancer and wet AMD.
Key Molecules
Key Enzymes
Related Pathways
PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Regulates cell survival, growth, and metabolism via phosphoinositide signaling.
MAPK/ERK Pathway
RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK cascade transducing growth factor signals to the nucleus.
Notch Signaling Pathway
Juxtacrine signaling controlling cell fate decisions via proteolytic receptor activation.