Vascular endothelial growth factor-B: Impact on physiology and pathology. Issue 3 (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhu, Hongyu; Gao, Mingming; Gao, Xiangdong; Tong, Yue
• Is Part Of: Cell adhesion & migration. Volume 12:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 215
• Page End: 227
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: cancer -- cardiovascular diseases -- diabetes -- neurodegenerative diseases -- VEGF-B; Cell adhesion -- Periodicals; Cell migration -- Periodicals; Cell interaction -- Periodicals; 574.876
• DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2017.1379634
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1933-6918

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Angiogenesis plays an important role in controlling tissue development and maintaining normal tissue function. Dysregulated angiogenesis is implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases, particularly diabetes, cancers, and neurodegenerative disorders. As the major regulator of angiogenesis, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family is composed of a group of crucial members including VEGF-B. While the physiological roles of VEGF-B remain debatable, increasing evidence suggests that this protein is able to protect certain type of cells from apoptosis under pathological conditions. More importantly, recent studies reveal that VEGF-B is involved in lipid transport and energy metabolism, implicating this protein in obesity, diabetes and related metabolic complications. This article summarizes the current knowledge and understanding of VEGF-B in physiology and pathology, and shed light on the therapeutic potential of this crucial protein.