VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor)

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a protein that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels. It plays a crucial role in wound healing, development, and maintaining healthy blood supply to tissues. When tissues need more oxygen or nutrients, such as during injury or growth, VEGF signals the body to form new vessels. However, in some diseases like cancer, excess VEGF can promote abnormal blood vessel formation, helping tumors grow. Because of this, VEGF is a target for some drugs aimed at stopping or slowing tumor growth by preventing new blood vessel development.