Journal of Cell Science 115, e1205-e1205 (2002)
© 2002 The Company of Biologists Limited
Angiogenic effects of placenta growth factor
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a crucial regulator of
angiogenesis that stimulates proliferation of endothelial cells and increases
vascular permeability. Placenta growth factor (PlGF) is a member of the VEGF
family that binds to VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR-1) and can heterodimerize with
VEGF. Its role in angiogenesis, however, is the subject of some debate. Teresa
Odorisio and co-workers have examined the function of PlGF by generating
transgenic mice that overexpress PlGF in the skin (see
p. 2559). They find that the
mice exhibit increases in the number, size and branching of blood vessels, as
well as enhanced vascular permeability, which indicates that PlGF has a potent
angiogenic effect. (The levels of homodimeric VEGF are reduced in
keratinocytes from the transgenic mice probably owing to formation of
VEGF-PlGF heterodimers.) Moreover, in contrast to mice overexpressing VEGF,
mice overexpressing PlGF have strongly increased vessel sizes and
hypervascularization persisting in adult life. The authors therefore conclude
that the biological effects of PlGF are different from those of VEGF and do
not simply reflect its postulated role as a decoy for its relative.
Related articles in JCS:
- Mice overexpressing placenta growth factor exhibit increased vascularization and vessel permeability
- Teresa Odorisio, Cataldo Schietroma, M. Letizia Zaccaria, Francesca Cianfarani, Cecilia Tiveron, Laura Tatangelo, Cristina M. Failla, and Giovanna Zambruno
JCS 2002 115: 2559-2567.
[Abstract]
[Full Text]
