The role of Genentech BioOncology in VEGF research

For over 2 decades, researchers at Genentech BioOncology led by Napoleone Ferrara have contributed to research in VEGF and angiogenesis. This journey of discovery was facilitated by a culture of both science and creativity at Genentech, where scientists are encouraged to spend a portion of their time on their own research interests. So, while Ferrara was originally hired to study the reproductive system, his interest in angiogenesis was allowed to flourish, leading to important discoveries in this new and exciting field.

Identification and isolation of VEGF

Hypothesizing that mitogenic effect observed with endothelial cells (in a medium conditioned by bovine pituitary cells) was mediated by a secreted protein, Genentech researchers become the first to identify and isolate a new pro-angiogenic factor. Because the protein promotes the growth of only vascular endothelial cells, it is named vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).¹

Purification and cloning of VEGF

Genentech researchers identify cDNA clones encoding 121-, 165-, and 189-amino acid molecular species of VEGF. The classical secretory signal sequence observed in these clones confirms that VEGF is, in fact, a secreted protein.²

Elucidation of the first VEGF receptor

Working with scientists from the University of California at San Francisco, Genentech researchers demonstrate that a receptor on the surface of endothelial cells (FLT1) is a high-affinity receptor for VEGF.³

Characterization of the role of VEGF in physiologic angiogenesis

Having already contributed to the growing evidence implicating VEGF in tumor angiogenesis, Genentech researchers collaborate to show that VEGF is also required for embryonic vasculogenesis.⁴

In the years since these important discoveries, Genentech BioOncology has maintained an ongoing commitment to basic research in this field and continues to explore the role of VEGF in many solid tumors.

References:

1.

Ferrara N, Henzel WJ. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 1989;161:851-858. PMID: 2735925

2.

Leung DW, Cachianes G, Kuang WJ, et al. Science. 1989;246:1306-1309. PMID: 2479986

3.

Autiero M, Waltenberger J, Communi D, et al. Nat Med. 2003;9:936-943. PMID: 12796773

4.

Ferrara N, Carver-Moore K, Chen H, et al. Nature. 1996;380:439-442. PMID: 8602242