What is the Difference Between VEGF and EGFR?

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are both involved in the growth and progression of tumors, but they have distinct roles and characteristics.

VEGF:

• VEGF is a signaling protein that promotes the growth of new blood vessels and restores blood flow in damaged tissues.
• It plays a crucial role in tumor metastasis by inducing the construction of abnormal blood vessels.
• VEGF is produced by fibroblast cells.
• It is a plasma protein.

EGFR:

• EGFR is a transmembrane protein that stimulates DNA synthesis and cell proliferation.
• It is involved in various aspects of cancer growth, such as tumor initiation, angiogenesis, and metastasis.
• EGFR is produced by epithelial cells.
• It is a tyrosine kinase receptor.

Both VEGF and EGFR are considered validated targets for cancer therapy, and there are inhibitors available to control their overexpression. The VEGF and EGFR pathways are closely related and share common downstream signaling pathways. In solid tumors, these pathways seem to be linked, particularly with respect to angiogenesis. EGF and TGF-α, both key EGFR ligands, are known to induce VEGF expression via activation of EGFR in cell culture models. Researchers are focusing on how to best incorporate targeted therapy into current treatment regimens by combining anti-VEGF and anti-EGFR agents.

Comparative Table: VEGF vs EGFR

Here is a table summarizing the differences between VEGF and EGFR:

Both VEGF and EGFR are important proteins in the human body that play crucial roles in various signaling reactions. They are involved in different aspects of cancer growth and progression, with VEGF promoting the formation of new blood vessels and EGFR stimulating cell proliferation.