Pro-angiogenic pathways

Pro-angiogenic pathways are networks of molecular signals that promote the formation, growth, and remodeling of blood vessels. They involve multiple families of growth factors and their receptors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptors, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), angiopoietins and Tie receptors, platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptors, and others. Activation of these pathways leads to endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix degradation, supporting new vessel formation in physiological processes (wound healing, embryogenesis) and pathological conditions (cancer, diabetic retinopathy, chronic inflammation). In cancer, tumors exploit pro-angiogenic signaling to secure blood supply and facilitate growth and metastasis. Therapies targeting these pathways, such as anti-VEGF antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are approved for several cancers and ocular diseases, but resistance and toxicity remain major clinical challenges.

Other names

pro-angiogenic signalingangiogenic pathwayspro-angiogenic factors

- Inhibition of ligand binding to receptors (e.g., anti-VEGF antibodies block VEGF-VEGFR interaction) - Blockade of receptor tyrosine kinase activity (e.g., small molecule inhibitors) - Neutralization of growth factors - Inhibition of downstream intracellular signaling (MAPK/ERK, PI3K/AKT pathways) - Inhibition of extracellular matrix degradation (MMP inhibitors)