Growth and survival of tumor blood vessels

The role of VEGF in tumor angiogenesis

This image shows the many effects of the VEGF family of ligands and their receptors in tumor angiogenesis. VEGF stimulation of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 on endothelial cells induces endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival, as well as vascular permeability—all effects that lead to tumor angiogenesis. VEGF may also recruit endothelial progenitor cells and VEGFR-1–expressing myeloid cells to sites of tumor neovascularization. Finally, VEGF-C and VEGF-D interact with VEGFR-3 on the surface of lymphatic endothelial cells, leading to lymphangiogenesis.¹

Hicklin DJ, Ellis LM. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23:1011-1027. Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

VEGF stimulates tumor angiogenesis

The binding of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to receptors on endothelial cells initiates the creation of a vascular network, allowing tumors access to the oxygen and nutrients that they need to grow and metastasize.¹

VEGF is a survival factor for existing tumor vasculature

Endothelial cells need VEGF for their continued survival in immature blood vessels. In the absence of growth signals, endothelial cells undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis). Upon pericyte association with vascular endothelial cells (vascular maturation), VEGF is no longer required for survival.^2,3

References:

1.

Hicklin DJ, Ellis LM. J Clin Oncol. 2005;23:1011-1027.

2.

Gerber HP, Dixit V, Ferrara N. J Biol Chem. 1998;273:13313-13316.

3.

Thakker GD, Hajjar DP, Muller WA, et al. J Biol Chem. 1999;274:10002-10007.