Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) (VEGFR)

The term "tumor angiogenesis-related proteins" refers collectively to a group of molecules that regulate the formation of new blood vessels within tumors—a process essential for tumor growth and metastasis. The most prominent and therapeutically relevant targets among these are vascular endothelial growth factors and their receptors, especially VEGF-A and its main receptor VEGFR2. Other important proteins include fibroblast growth factors, platelet-derived growth factors, angiopoietins with their Tie receptors, thrombospondins, matrix metalloproteinases, and various extracellular matrix components. These molecules can act as proangiogenic or antiangiogenic regulators within the tumor microenvironment. Targeting these pathways has led to the development of several antiangiogenic drugs used in cancer therapy; however, challenges remain due to redundancy among pathways and potential side effects from inhibiting normal vascular processes. The entry "tumor angiogenesis-related proteins" is not a single molecular target but rather an umbrella term encompassing multiple distinct therapeutic targets involved in tumor-induced blood vessel formation. For structured data purposes—such as drug discovery databases—this should be split into specific canonical forms like "Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor," "Fibroblast growth factor receptor," etc., each with its own detailed annotation.

Other names

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)Platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)Angiopoietin receptorsThrombospondin-1Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)Extracellular matrix proteinsADAMTS proteases

Inhibition of VEGF/VEGFR signaling to block new blood vessel formation in tumors