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FGF and VEGF function in angiogenesis: signalling pathways, biological responses and therapeutic inhibition
1Dept of Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden. michael.cross@genpat.uu.se
Abstract:
Angiogenic growth factors such as fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are currently targets of intense efforts to inhibit deregulated blood vessel formation in diseases such as cancer. FGFs and VEGFs exert their effects via specific binding to cell surface-expressed receptors equipped with tyrosine kinase activity. Activation of the receptor kinase activity allows coupling to downstream signal transduction pathways that regulate proliferation, migration and differentiation of endothelial cells. Inhibitors of FGF and VEGF signalling are currently in clinical trials. In this article, the current knowledge of FGF- and VEGF-induced signal transduction that leads to specific biological responses will be summarized. Furthermore, the manner in which this knowledge is being exploited to regulate angiogenesis will be discussed.
Insights
This study summarizes fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) signaling pathways. It discusses how inhibiting these angiogenic factors can treat diseases like cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Angiogenic growth factors, including fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs), are crucial for blood vessel formation.
- Deregulated angiogenesis is implicated in diseases such as cancer.
- FGFs and VEGFs mediate their effects through cell surface tyrosine kinase receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge of FGF and VEGF signaling pathways.
- To discuss the exploitation of this knowledge for therapeutic angiogenesis inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on FGF and VEGF signaling.
- Analysis of signal transduction pathways involved in endothelial cell regulation.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting FGF and VEGF pathways.
Main Results:
- FGF and VEGF signaling activates downstream pathways regulating endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation.
- Inhibitors targeting FGF and VEGF signaling are under clinical investigation.
- Understanding signal transduction is key to developing anti-angiogenic therapies.
Conclusions:
- FGF and VEGF signaling pathways are critical targets for controlling angiogenesis.
- Inhibiting these pathways holds therapeutic potential for angiogenesis-driven diseases.
- Further research into signal transduction mechanisms will refine anti-angiogenic strategies.