Abstract
Angiogenesis is a complex biological phenomenon crucial for a correct embryonic development and for post-natal growth. In adult life, it is a tightly regulated process confined to the uterus and ovary during the different phases of the menstrual cycle and to the heart and skeletal muscles after prolonged and sustained physical exercise. Conversly, angiogenesis is one of the major pathological changes associated with several complex diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, arthritis, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Among the several molecular players involved in angiogenesis, some members of VEGF family, VEGF-A, VEGF-B and placenta growth factor (PlGF), and the related receptors VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR-1, also known as Flt-1) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2, also known as Flk-1 in mice and KDR in human) have a decisive role. In this review, we describe the discovery and molecular characteristics of PlGF, and discuss the biological role of this growth factor in physiological and pathological conditions.
Highlights
The discovery of placenta growth factor and its biological activityAbbreviations: BF-2, forkhead/winged helix transcription factor FoxD1; eNos, enodothelial nitric oxide synthase; HIFs, hypoxia inducible factors; HRE, hypoxia responsive element; MTF-1, metal transcription factor 1; NRP1 and neuropilin and 2 (NRP2), neuropilin 1 and 2; PlGF, placenta growth factor; TACE, TNF-α converting enzyme; TAM, tumor-associated macrophages; TIMP-3, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases; TK, tyrosine kinase; VEGFR-1 and VEGF receptor and 2 (VEGFR-2), VEGF receptor 1 and 2
Angiogenesis is a complex biological phenomenon crucial for a correct embryonic development and for post-natal growth
Among the several molecular players involved in angiogenesis, some members of VEGF family, VEGF-A, VEGF-B and placenta growth factor (PlGF), and the related receptors VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR-1, known as Flt-1) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2, known as Flk-1 in mice and KDR in human) have a decisive role
Summary
Abbreviations: BF-2, forkhead/winged helix transcription factor FoxD1; eNos, enodothelial nitric oxide synthase; HIFs, hypoxia inducible factors; HRE, hypoxia responsive element; MTF-1, metal transcription factor 1; NRP1 and NRP2, neuropilin 1 and 2; PlGF, placenta growth factor; TACE, TNF-α converting enzyme; TAM, tumor-associated macrophages; TIMP-3, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases; TK, tyrosine kinase; VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, VEGF receptor 1 and 2
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