PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Cao, Yihai
TI  - Positive and Negative Modulation of Angiogenesis by VEGFR1 Ligands
AID  - 10.1126/scisignal.259re1
DP  - 2009 Feb 24
TA  - Science Signaling
PG  - re1--re1
VI  - 2
IP  - 59
4099  - http://stke.sciencemag.org/content/2/59/re1.short
4100  - http://stke.sciencemag.org/content/2/59/re1.full
SO  - Sci. Signal.2009 Feb 24; 2
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor–A (VEGF-A) is a key target for new antiangiogenic drugs for the treatment of both malignant and nonmalignant human diseases. Vascular effects of VEGF family members are mainly mediated by VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Conversely, the function and signaling of VEGFR1, which is present on endothelial and nonendothelial cells, are poorly understood. Intriguingly, two of five members in the VEGF family—VEGF-B and placental growth factor (PlGF)—are exclusive ligands for VEGFR1 and do not interact with the other VEGFRs, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3. These VEGFR1-specific ligands may be important therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. This review discusses the distinctive roles of VEGFR1 and its ligands PlGF and VEGF-B in the mediation of angiogenic signaling and considers the therapeutic potential of targeting these particular vascular factors.