Molecular mechanism of VEGF and its role in pathological angiogenesis

Over the last seven decades, a significant scientific contribution took place in the delineation of the implications of vascular endothelial-derived growth factor (VEGF) in the processes of angiogenesis. Under pathological conditions, mainly in response to hypoxia or ischemia, elevated VEGF levels promote vascular damage and the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Indeed, the development of VEGF biology has revolutionized our understanding of its role in pathological conditions. Hence, targeting VEGF or VEGF-mediated molecular pathways could be an excellent therapeutic strategy for managing cancers and intraocular neovascular disorders. Although anti-VEGF therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have limited clinical efficacy, they can still significantly improve the overall survival rate. This thus demands further investigation through the development of alternative strategies in the management of VEGF-mediated pathological angiogenesis. This review article focuses on the recent developments toward the delineation of the functional biology of VEGF and the role of anti-VEGF strategies in the management of tumor and eye pathologies. Moreover, therapeutic angiogenesis, an exciting frontier for the treatment of ischemic disorders, is highlighted in this review, including wound healing.

Automated summary

This review article summarizes the significant scientific contributions made in the past seven decades regarding the implications of vascular endothelial-derived growth factor (VEGF) in angiogenesis processes. It highlights the role of VEGF in pathological conditions and its potential as a therapeutic target for managing cancers and intraocular neovascular disorders. The article also emphasizes the need for further research and development of alternative strategies in the management of VEGF-mediated pathological angiogenesis. Additionally, it discusses the emerging field of therapeutic angiogenesis for the treatment of ischemic disorders.