Pro-angiogenic proteins

Pro-angiogenic proteins are a diverse group of secreted signaling molecules that promote the growth of new blood vessels from the existing vasculature, a process termed angiogenesis (Ferrara, 2004). This group includes prominent members such as Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), and Angiopoietins. Under normal physiological conditions, these proteins are tightly regulated to support processes like embryonic development, the menstrual cycle, and tissue repair (NIH, 2023). However, pathological over-expression of these factors is a critical driver in many diseases, particularly in oncology, where tumors secrete them to establish a blood supply for nutrient delivery and metabolic waste removal. In addition to cancer, pro-angiogenic proteins play a central role in the pathogenesis of wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy by causing leaky, abnormal vessel growth in the eye. Consequently, these proteins and their corresponding receptors are major therapeutic targets; drugs like bevacizumab and various tyrosine kinase inhibitors aim to disrupt these signaling pathways to inhibit tumor growth and stabilize ocular vasculature.

Other names

Pro-angiogenic factorsAngiogenic factorsAngiogenic proteinsVascular growth factors

Inhibition of ligand-receptor binding (neutralization) or inhibition of downstream receptor tyrosine kinase signaling to prevent endothelial cell activation and vessel formation (Ferrara, 2004).