Vascular endothelial growth factor A receptor (VEGFR2) (VEGFR2)

The angiogenic growth factor pathways consist of networks of proteins—predominantly growth factors such as VEGF, PDGF, and FGF—and their respective receptors (VEGFR, PDGFR, FGFR) that regulate angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from existing vasculature. These pathways activate downstream signaling cascades that mediate endothelial cell proliferation, migration, survival, and vessel maturation. Aberrant activation fosters pathological angiogenesis, enabling tumor growth, metastasis, and progression of ocular and inflammatory diseases. Therapeutically, these pathways are targeted in cancer and retinal disease treatment using monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, but present challenges due to broad effects on normal vascular physiology and associated safety concerns. In summary, "angiogenic growth factor pathways" is too broad to serve as a single canonical drug target. Drug discovery and clinical interventions focus on discrete members, notably VEGFR2 and its principal ligand VEGF-A, as well as PDGF and FGF receptors.

Other names

VEGF pathwayVascular endothelial growth factor pathwayPDGF pathwayFGF pathwayAngiogenesis signaling pathway

Inhibition of growth factor-ligand binding (anti-VEGF monoclonal antibodies); Inhibition of receptor activation by tyrosine kinase inhibitors; Suppression of downstream angiogenic signaling