vascular endothelial growth factor

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) refers to a family of signal proteins that act as potent regulators of angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and neuroprotection. In a therapeutic context, VEGF is primarily developed as a gene or cell therapy to treat ischemic and neurodegenerative diseases. A notable clinical program is **p.VGI.1** (also known as **VEGF2**), a plasmid DNA encoding the VEGF-2 (VEGF-C) isoform, which was developed by Dr. Douglas Losordo for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. Administered via intramuscular injection, the therapy aims to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels and provide trophic support to damaged nerves. Other experimental approaches include adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors encoding VEGF-165 and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) engineered to secrete VEGF, which have been investigated for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) to enhance motor neuron survival and delay disease progression. VEGF exerts its effects by binding to and activating specific tyrosine kinase receptors (VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3) on endothelial cells and neurons.

Other names

VEGFVEGF gene therapyVEGF-2 gene transferVEGF2 gene transferVEGF 2 gene transferVEGF-165 gene therapyVEGF165 gene therapyVEGF 165 gene therapyhMSC-VEGFAAV-VEGF