Angiogenesis is controlled by a complex interplay of different growth factors that regulate the various stages of vessel formation, from endothelial cell activation to vessel maturation. Different growth factors play distinct roles in angiogenesis, ensuring its correct regulation. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is perhaps the most pivotal growth factor in angiogenesis. It promotes multiple endothelial activities, including endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival. VEGF also enhances vascular permeability, aiding the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to growing tissues. Its isoforms, such as VEGF-A and VEGF-B, bind to tyrosine kinase receptors on endothelial cells, triggering intracellular signalling cascades that lead to vessel sprouting and branching. VEGF and VEGF-dependent signalling is therefore a central player in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis, making it a target for anti-angiogenic therapies. Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family members, particularly basic FGF (bFGF or FGF-2), are also essential in controlling angiogenesis. FGFs stimulate endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. They contribute particularly to the formation of new blood vessels during tissue repair and development. FGFs activate intracellular signalling pathways that promote endothelial cell growth and vessel sprouting. Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) is an additional crucial growth factor for vessel stabilization. PDGF recruits pericytes and smooth muscle cells to the newly formed endothelial tubes, providing structural support and aiding in vessel maturation. For example, upon binding of PDGF ligands to PDGFR-beta on the surface of pericytes, a signalling cascade is initiated leading to various intracellular responses, including changes in cytoskeletal dynamics that promote chemotactic migration of pericytes towards the source of PDGF ligands. As pericytes migrate towards PDGF ligands, they come into proximity with endothelial cells forming new blood vessels. PDGF signalling also promotes the adhesion of pericytes to the endothelial cells through integrin-mediated interactions. This adhesion is essential for the subsequent association of pericytes with endothelial cells. In this manner PDGF helps establish the integrity and functionality of newly formed blood vessels. Angiopoietins, including Angiopoietin-1 and Angiopoietin-2, regulate vessel maturation and stability. Angiopoietin-1 interacts with the Tie-2 receptor tyrosine kinase on endothelial cells, promoting vessel maturation, pericyte recruitment, and inhibiting vessel regression. In contrast, Angiopoietin-2 can destabilize vessels by blocking the stabilizing effects of Angiopoietin-1, leading to vessel remodelling and sprouting. Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) influences angiogenesis through multiple mechanisms. It affects the production of extracellular matrix components, modulating the cellular microenvironment. TGF-β can have both pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic effects, depending on its context and the presence of other factors. Moreover, Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF) also functions in angiogenesis, stimulating endothelial cell proliferation and migration, thereby contributing to vessel growth. It also has a role in wound healing and tissue regeneration by promoting angiogenesis in response to tissue damage. Finally, Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF, also known as Scatter Factor) activates endothelial cells, promoting cell proliferation, migration, and vessel formation. It is particularly relevant in tissue repair processes where it contributes to the formation of new blood vessels. We offer a comprehensive product range of research reagents for studying growth factors, including VEGF Receptor 2 antibodies, FGFR1 antibodies, VEGFA antibodies, Angiopoietin 1 ELISA Kits, and CTGF ELISA Kits. Explore our full growth factors product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our FGF, VEGF, and TGF product ranges.