Novel VEGF family members: VEGF-B, VEGF-C and VEGF-D

Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) constitute a group of structura lly and functionally related growth factors that modulate many important ph ysiological functions of endothelial cells. Currently, five different mamma lian VEGFs have been identified and they all show unique temporal and spati al expression patterns, receptor specificity and function. The VEGFs may pl ay pivotal roles in formation of the vascular systems during embryonic deve lopment, in regulation of capillary growth in normal and pathological condi tions in adults, and in the maintenance of the normal vasculature. In the f uture, the VEGFs and their receptors may become important therapeutic tools in treatment of conditions characterized by aberrant or defective formatio n of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. Al l rights reserved.