Vascular endothelial growth factor A and Angiopoietin-2 (VEGF-A and Ang2)

Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) is a secreted glycoprotein that binds to VEGF receptors, primarily VEGFR-2, on endothelial cells to promote angiogenesis, endothelial cell proliferation, and vascular permeability. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) is a secreted growth factor that modulates vascular remodeling by binding to the endothelial Tie2 receptor. While Angiopoietin-1 stabilizes vessels, Angiopioetin-2 antagonizes Tie2 signaling, destabilizing vessels and promoting vascular sprouting in the presence of VEGF-A. The coordinated action of VEGF-A and Angiopoietin-2 is critical in both physiological angiogenesis and various pathologies such as cancer, diabetic retinopathy, and inflammatory diseases. Therapeutic strategies that target both VEGF-A and Angiopoietin-2 are in clinical use and under development for diseases with pathological angiogenesis[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

Vascular permeability factor (for VEGF-A)Angpt2 (for Angiopoietin-2)Ang-2 (common clinical abbreviation)

Inhibition of signaling leading to reduced angiogenesis and vascular permeability. Blocking endothelial proliferation and new vessel formation in tumors and pathological tissues[2][5]. Restoration of vascular stability by disrupting Ang2-mediated destabilization of endothelium (with Ang2 inhibitors)[3][4].