VEGF receptors
VEGF Receptors
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) receptors (pronounced: vas-kyu-lar en-doh-thee-lee-al growth fak-tor re-sep-tors) are a group of receptor tyrosine kinases that are primarily responsible for the regulation of angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation from pre-existing vessels.
Etymology
The term "VEGF receptors" is derived from the name of the protein they bind to, the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). The term "receptor" is derived from the Latin word 'recipere', meaning 'to receive', which refers to the function of these proteins as receivers of signals.
Types of VEGF Receptors
There are three known types of VEGF receptors:
- VEGFR-1 (also known as Flt-1): This receptor has a high affinity for VEGF-A, but its exact role in angiogenesis is still under investigation.
- VEGFR-2 (also known as KDR/Flk-1): This is the main mediator of VEGF-driven responses in endothelial cells, including cell migration, proliferation, and tubulogenesis.
- VEGFR-3 (also known as Flt-4): This receptor primarily binds to VEGF-C and VEGF-D and is crucial for lymphangiogenesis, the formation of lymphatic vessels.
Related Terms
- Angiogenesis: The process of new blood vessel formation from pre-existing vessels.
- Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: A class of enzymes responsible for the activation of many cellular processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and metabolism.
- Endothelial Cells: Cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels.
- Lymphangiogenesis: The formation of lymphatic vessels.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on VEGF receptors
- Wikipedia's article - VEGF receptors
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