RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Angiogenesis JF Pharmacological Reviews JO Pharmacol Rev FD American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics SP 549 OP 580 DO 10.1124/pr.56.4.3 VO 56 IS 4 A1 Ann Hoeben A1 Bart Landuyt A1 Martin S. Highley A1 Hans Wildiers A1 Allan T. Van Oosterom A1 Ernst A. De Bruijn YR 2004 UL http://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/56/4/549.abstract AB Angiogenesis is a hallmark of wound healing, the menstrual cycle, cancer, and various ischemic and inflammatory diseases. A rich variety of pro- and antiangiogenic molecules have already been discovered. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an interesting inducer of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, because it is a highly specific mitogen for endothelial cells. Signal transduction involves binding to tyrosine kinase receptors and results in endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and new vessel formation. In this article, the role of VEGF in physiological and pathological processes is reviewed. We also discuss how modulation of VEGF expression creates new therapeutic possibilities and describe recent developments in this field.