Exp Mol Med.  2012 Jan;44(1):1-9. 10.3858/emm.2012.44.1.025.

The discovery of placenta growth factor and its biological activity

• De Falco S

• KMID: 1120136
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3858/emm.2012.44.1.025

Abstract

Angiogenesis is a complex biological phenomenon crucial for a correct embryonic development and for post-natal growth. In adult life, it is a tightly regulated process confined to the uterus and ovary during the different phases of the menstrual cycle and to the heart and skeletal muscles after prolonged and sustained physical exercise. Conversly, angiogenesis is one of the major pathological changes associated with several complex diseases like cancer, atherosclerosis, arthritis, diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Among the several molecular players involved in angiogenesis, some members of VEGF family, VEGF-A, VEGF-B and placenta growth factor (PlGF), and the related receptors VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR-1, also known as Flt-1) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2, also known as Flk-1 in mice and KDR in human) have a decisive role. In this review, we describe the discovery and molecular characteristics of PlGF, and discuss the biological role of this growth factor in physiological and pathological conditions.

Keyword

angiogenesis inducing agents; anoxia; endothelial cells; hypoxia; macrophages; neovascularization, pathologic; placenta growth factor; vascular endothelial growth factors

MeSH Terms

Animals
Endothelial Cells/*metabolism/pathology
Female
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
Humans
Mice
Mice, Knockout
Neovascularization, Pathologic/genetics
Neovascularization, Physiologic/genetics
Nitric Oxide/metabolism
Placenta/*metabolism
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Proteins/genetics/*metabolism
Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor/metabolism
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism