ScienceVEGF

Growth and survival of tumour blood vessels

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The role of VEGF in tumour angiogenesis

This image shows the many effects of the family of VEGF and VEGFRs in tumour angiogenesis. VEGF stimulation of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 on endothelial cells induces endothelial cell proliferation, migration and survival, as well as vascular permeability – all effects that lead to tumour angiogenesis. VEGF may also recruit endothelial progenitor cells and VEGFR-1-expressing myeloid cells to sites of tumour neovascularisation. Finally, VEGF-C and VEGF-D interact with VEGFR-3 on the surface of lymphatic endothelial cells, leading to lymphangiogenesis.⁴

 

VEGF stimulates tumour angiogenesis

The binding of VEGF to receptors on endothelial cells initiates the creation of a vascular network, allowing tumours access to the oxygen and nutrients they need to grow and metastasise.⁴

 

VEGF is a survival factor for existing tumour vasculature

Endothelial cells require VEGF for their continued survival in immature blood vessels.^64,65 In the absence of growth signals, endothelial cells undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). Upon pericyte association with vascular endothelial cells (vascular maturation), VEGF is no longer required for survival.^4,66