Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A)

Vascular endothelial growth factor A is a glycosylated mitogen encoded by the *VEGFA* gene. It is a member of the platelet-derived growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor family. The protein acts primarily on vascular endothelial cells through its main receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2), promoting increased vascular permeability, angiogenesis, vasculogenesis during development, cell migration, and inhibiting apoptosis. Alternative splicing produces several isoforms with distinct properties. Overexpression is associated with tumor progression in many cancers as well as pathological neovascularization in diseases such as diabetic retinopathy. Therapeutic targeting focuses on inhibiting its activity to suppress abnormal blood vessel formation in cancer and eye diseases.[1][3][5] Note regarding correctness ("is_incorrect"): The query refers specifically to "Vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA." While this mRNA encodes the therapeutic target protein "Vascular endothelial growth factor A," it is not itself considered a direct drug target—therapeutics act at the level of the protein rather than its mRNA under current clinical practice. Therefore: **"Vascular endothelial growth factor A mRNA"** should be mapped to **"Vascular endothelial growth factor A"** for canonical naming purposes. If you require information about targeting RNA directly (e.g., antisense oligonucleotides), that would be a different context not supported by most approved drugs at present.

Other names

VEGFAVascular permeability factor (VPF)VEGFVascular endothelial growth factor A, long form

Inhibition of VEGF-A binding to its receptors on endothelial cells, blocking downstream signaling required for angiogenesis and vascular permeability[3][4]