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Description |
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VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is a highly conserved genetic pathway that has evolved from simple to complex systems. The early evolutionary role of VEGF in simple invertebrate systems (Drosophila or fruit fly), was to guide the movement and dissemination of blood cells to eliminate dying cells and mount a defensive or inflammatory response to infection and wounds. Over time, the role of VEGF, PDGF (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-Alpha Polypeptide) and the related family of signaling receptors provided for more complex and diversified cellular functions in vertebrate systems; for example, the more specialized role of blood vessel formation. VEGF signaling is critical to the processes of Angiogenesis and tumor growth (Ref.1, 2& 3). VEGF is a heparin-binding homodimeric glycoprotein that acts [...] |
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