Angiogenesis-related targets

Angiogenesis-related targets refer to a diverse set of proteins and signaling pathways that orchestrate the growth of new blood vessels from existing vasculature (National Cancer Institute, 2023). This physiological process is hijacked by tumors to ensure a supply of oxygen and nutrients, making it a primary focus for oncology therapeutics (StatPearls, 2023). The most prominent targets include the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) family and their associated receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFRs), which drive endothelial cell survival and migration (PubMed, PMID: 28102226). Other significant targets include Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), and the Angiopoietin-Tie2 system, which contribute to vessel maturation and stability (Nature Reviews Cancer, 2017). Drugs targeting these pathways, such as monoclonal antibodies and multi-kinase inhibitors, are widely used to treat various cancers and neovascular eye diseases like wet age-related macular degeneration (NIH, 2022). Despite their efficacy, these therapies often carry risks of systemic toxicities, including hypertension and bleeding, due to the essential role of angiogenesis in normal tissue homeostasis (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2019).

Other names

Angiogenic factorsPro-angiogenic targetsVascular targetsAngiogenesis signaling pathway components

Inhibition of pro-angiogenic signaling pathways, primarily by neutralizing ligands like VEGF or blocking the intracellular kinase domains of receptors such as VEGFR, PDGFR, and FGFR to prevent endothelial cell activation, proliferation, and vessel formation (StatPearls, 2023; PubMed, PMID: 30215167).