BEYOND VASCULARIZATION: INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF VEGFS IN NEURONAL FUNCTIONS AND BRAIN HEALTH
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) are widely recognized for their crucial role in angiogenesis and vascular function. However, recent research has expanded our understanding of VEGFs beyond their classical involvement in blood vessel formation. Studies indicate that VEGFs may also play a significant role in the central nervous system (CNS), influencing neuronal development, function, and survival. This article explores the impact of VEGFs on neuronal structure and function, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying VEGF signaling in neurons. We examine the evidence for VEGF-mediated neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and synaptic plasticity, and highlight the potential therapeutic applications of targeting VEGF pathways in neurological diseases.
Keywords
How to Cite
Downloads
References
Ferrara, N. (2004). Vascular endothelial growth factor: Basic science and clinical progress. Endocrine Reviews, 25(4), 581-611.
Mazzoni, E. O., et al. (2019). Vascular endothelial growth factor promotes neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. Developmental Neurobiology, 79(3), 212-227.
Zhang, Y., et al. (2011). VEGF-A signaling in neuroprotection and neurogenesis. Current Opinion in Pharmacology, 11(5), 584-591.
Plank, M., et al. (2015). VEGF as a neuroprotective factor in stroke: Mechanisms of action. Neuropharmacology, 91, 265-276.
Shibuya, M. (2013). Vascular endothelial growth factors and receptors. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine, 3(3), a006548.
Lee, J. K., et al. (2011). VEGF modulates neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the adult hippocampus. The Journal of Neuroscience, 31(7), 2414-2424.
West, J. T., & Keck, J. G. (2013). Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling and neuronal function: Implications for neurodegenerative diseases. Molecular Neurobiology, 48(3), 562-571.
Sweeney, M. D., et al. (2018). The blood-brain barrier and neurovascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 19(4), 208-222.
Nguyen, L., et al. (2013). VEGF signaling in synaptic function and plasticity. Neuropharmacology, 64, 46-53.
Park, H. S., et al. (2012). VEGF and neurogenesis: A focus on neurodegenerative diseases. Journal of Neurochemistry, 122(5), 826-838.
Switzer, J. A., et al. (2010). VEGF and its role in the central nervous system: A review of its neuroprotective effects. Brain Research Reviews, 62(1), 119-125.
Haghani, A., et al. (2019). Neuroprotective effects of VEGF in Alzheimer’s disease models. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 11, 75.
Liang, L., et al. (2016). VEGF signaling in the regulation of brain vascular function. Trends in Neurosciences, 39(3), 182-193.
Nakamura, H., et al. (2011). Neuroprotective effects of VEGF on dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease models. Journal of Neurochemistry, 116(1), 1-12.
Lee, S. R., et al. (2014). VEGF-mediated synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons: Role in learning and memory. Molecular Psychiatry, 19(5), 582-589.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. John Smith, Dr.Robert Lee (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain the copyright of their manuscripts, and all Open Access articles are disseminated under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CC-BY), which licenses unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original work is appropriately cited. The use of general descriptive names, trade names, trademarks, and so forth in this publication, even if not specifically identified, does not imply that these names are not protected by the relevant laws and regulations.
