Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors, VEGFs

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a signal protein produced by many cells that stimulates the formation of blood vessels. In mammals, the VEGF family comprises five members: VEGF-A, placenta growth factor (PGF), VEGF-B, VEGF-C and VEGF-D. All members of the VEGF family stimulate cellular responses by binding to tyrosine kinase receptors (the VEGFRs) on the cell surface, causing them to dimerize and become activated through transphosphorylation. They are important signaling proteins involved in both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.