VEGFR (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor)

VEGFR, or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, is a protein found on the surface of cells that line blood vessels. It plays a crucial role in blood vessel formation, growth, and repair by binding to specific growth factors called VEGFs. When VEGFs attach to VEGFR, they trigger processes that promote the development of new blood vessels, a vital function in healing, growth, and maintaining healthy tissues. However, in cancers, tumors can hijack this system to create new blood vessels, supplying nutrients and oxygen needed for tumor growth. Therefore, VEGFR is a key target for therapies aimed at stopping abnormal blood vessel growth in diseases like cancer.