Growth factor signaling pathways (VEGF, FGF, HGF, PDGF, TGF-beta)

This target group encompasses several critical growth factor signaling pathways, including Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), and Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta). These pathways are fundamental regulators of physiological processes such as angiogenesis, cell proliferation, wound healing, and tissue morphogenesis (Ferrara, 2004, Cell; Turner & Grose, 2010, Nat Rev Cancer). In pathological states, particularly oncology, these pathways are often dysregulated through ligand overexpression, receptor amplification, or activating mutations, leading to sustained neovascularization, tumor growth, and metastasis (Gherardi et al., 2012, Nat Rev Cancer; Andrae et al., 2008, Genes Dev). Therapeutic intervention typically involves monoclonal antibodies to sequester ligands or small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) to block intracellular signaling (Akhurst & Hata, 2012, Nat Rev Drug Discov). Because these pathways often provide compensatory escape mechanisms for one another, multi-kinase inhibitors that target several of these receptors simultaneously are a common clinical strategy to overcome drug resistance (Helsten et al., 2016, Genome Med).

Other names

Vascular endothelial growth factor pathwayFibroblast growth factor pathwayHepatocyte growth factor pathwayPlatelet-derived growth factor pathwayTransforming growth factor-beta pathwayAngiogenic growth factorsPro-angiogenic pathways

Inhibition of ligand-receptor binding, inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinase activity, and neutralization of circulating growth factors.