Question:

Regarding VEGF, which of the following is true?

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Remember VEGF's original moniker: Vascular Permeability Factor (VPF). Its two paramount roles are driving Angiogenesis (via endothelial proliferation) and causing Edema (via increased vascular permeability).
Updated On: Sep 3, 2026
  • Endothelial proliferation and increases vascular permeability
  • Heterodimer along with TGF and EGF
  • Promotes wound healing by stimulating keratinocytes and fibroblasts
  • Forms heterodimer with HER2 leading to malignancy predisposition
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
This question explores the fundamental biological mechanisms and primary physiological functions of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF).
Explanation:
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is a highly specific signaling protein that serves as the master regulator of angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones) and vasculogenesis.

• At the cellular level, VEGF acts as a potent, specific mitogen for vascular endothelial cells, directly stimulating their proliferation, migration, and survival to form the endothelial lining of new vessels.

• Crucially, before it was named VEGF, this molecule was originally discovered and named "Vascular Permeability Factor" (VPF). It profoundly increases the permeability of the endothelial barrier.

• This increased vascular permeability allows plasma proteins (like fibrinogen) to leak into the extravascular space. This extravasated fibrinogen forms a temporary matrix or scaffold that is essential for endothelial cells to migrate across during tissue repair, wound healing, and tumor growth.

• Option B is incorrect because VEGF typically functions as a homodimer, not a heterodimer with Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) or Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF).

• Option C is incorrect; while angiogenesis is part of wound healing, the direct stimulation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts is governed primarily by EGF and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), respectively, not VEGF.

• Option D is incorrect as HER2 dimerizes with other epidermal growth factor receptors (like HER3), completely unrelated to VEGF signaling.
Final Answer:
VEGF is specifically responsible for inducing endothelial cell proliferation and markedly increasing vascular permeability to facilitate angiogenesis.
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