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Updated: May 17, 2026
09:04
A Simple Bioassay for the Evaluation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Published on: March 15, 2016
VEGF and bone cell signalling: an essential vessel for communication?
Claire E Clarkin1, Louis C Gerstenfeld
1Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK. C.E.Clarkin@soton.ac.uk
Cell Biochemistry and Function
|November 7, 2012
Summary
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial for bone repair and homeostasis. Understanding its signaling directionality in bone can improve treatments for bone diseases and enhance healing.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology
- Angiogenesis
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling
Background:
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is vital for endothelial cell survival and couples angiogenesis with osteogenesis.
- Its precise role in bone formation, remodeling, and homeostasis is not fully understood.
- VEGF signaling is implicated in bone pathobiology, but mechanisms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the directionality of VEGF signaling in adult bone.
- To identify the primary sources of VEGF within the bone microenvironment.
- To summarize VEGF receptor expression in bone cells and its role in repair and osteoporosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on VEGF sources, receptor expression, and functional roles.
- Analysis of studies investigating VEGF signaling in bone repair and osteoporosis models.
- Synthesis of current evidence on VEGF's impact on bone remodeling.
Main Results:
- The review identifies predominant VEGF sources in the bone microenvironment.
- It summarizes bone cell expression of VEGF receptors.
- Evidence supports VEGF signaling's role in postnatal bone repair and osteoporosis.
Conclusions:
- Clarifying VEGF signaling directionality in adult bone is essential.
- This understanding can optimize targeting of angiogenic pathways for bone diseases.
- It holds potential for enhancing bone repair in compromised conditions.
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