Signaling Pathways Activated by VEGF

VEGF regulates several endothelial cell functions, including proliferation, differentiation, permeability, vascular tone, and the production of vasoactive molecules. Upon ligand binding, the receptor tyrosines are phosphorylated, allowing the receptor to associate with and activate a range of signaling molecules, including phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Shc, Grb2, and the phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2. VEGF receptor activation can induce activation of the MAPK cascade via Raf stimulation leading to gene expression and cell proliferation, activation of PI3K leading to PKB activation and cell survival, activation of PLC-g leading to cell proliferation, vasopermeability, and angiogenesis.

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