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 Hoeben, Ann A1 Landuyt, Bart A1 Highley, Martin S. A1 Wildiers, Hans A1 Van Oosterom, Allan T. A1 De Bruijn, Ernst A. 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.