背景説明
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is a signal protein produced by cells that stimulates vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. It is part of the system that restores the oxygen supply to tissues when blood circulation is inadequate such as in hypoxic conditions. Serum concentration of VEGF is high in bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus. The activities of VEGF are not limited to the vascular system; VEGF plays a role in normal physiological functions such as bone formation, hematopoiesis, wound healing, and development. Disruption of this gene in mice resulted in abnormal embryonic blood vessel formation. VEGF is upregulated in many known tumors and its expression is correlated with tumor stage and progression.