Snake venom vascular endothelial growth factors (svVEGFs): Unravelling their molecular structure, functions, and research potential

Isabela Gobbo Ferreira; Manuela Berto Pucca; Isadora Sousa de Oliveira; Felipe Augusto Cerni; Beatriz de Cássia da Silva Jacob; Eliane Candiani Arantes

doi:10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.05.003

Snake venom vascular endothelial growth factors (svVEGFs): Unravelling their molecular structure, functions, and research potential

Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2021 Aug:60:133-143. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.05.003. Epub 2021 May 28.

Authors

Isabela Gobbo Ferreira¹, Manuela Berto Pucca², Isadora Sousa de Oliveira¹, Felipe Augusto Cerni³, Beatriz de Cássia da Silva Jacob¹, Eliane Candiani Arantes⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
² Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil.
³ Health Sciences Postgraduate Program, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, RR, Brazil.
⁴ Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: ecabraga@fcfrp.usp.br.

PMID: 34090786
DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.05.003

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key regulator of angiogenesis, a physiological process characterized by the formation of new vessels from a preexisting endothelium. VEGF has also been implicated in pathologic states, such as neoplasias, intraocular neovascular disorders, among other conditions. VEGFs are distributed in seven different families: VEGF-A, B, C, D, and PIGF (placental growth factor), which are identified in mammals; VEGF-E, which are encountered in viruses; and VEGF-F or svVEGF (snake venom VEGF) described in snake venoms. This is the pioneer review of svVEGF family, exploring its distribution among the snake venoms, molecular structure, main functions, and potential applications.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; Snake; Toxin; VEGF; Vascular endothelial growth factors; svVEGF.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Humans
Molecular Structure
Placenta Growth Factor
Snake Venoms / chemistry*
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors / chemistry*

Substances

Snake Venoms
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors
Placenta Growth Factor