Vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in ophthalmology research

Abstract

The formation of ocular neovascular is a complex pathophysiological process,which regulated by varieties factors,vascular endothelial growth factor is considered to be one of the critical factors in the process.The VEGF family members include:VEGF-A,VEGF-B,VEGF-C,VEGF-D,VEGF-E,VEGF-F and Placental growth factor (PIGF).VEGF receptors include VEGFR-1,VEGFR-2,VEGFR-3.Each receptor can be activated by the same or diffident VEGF for various physiological functions.Research on VEGF-A and its receptor is the most,which has different sites and modes to angiogenesis,lead to produce a variety of drugs and clinical medicine and treatment programs for ocular neovascular diseases has been changed largely.With the in-depth study of the VEGF family and its receptors,researchers gradually find the other members of the VEGF family like VEGF-B,which has different target and mechanism with VEGF-A.This review summarizes the research of VEGF family and its receptor include mechanism,function and different type of anti-VEGF treatment,clinical applications and research progress. Key words: neovascular diseases; vascular endothelial growth factor; receptor