Question 1

What is VEGFA and why is it important in cancer?

Accepted Answer

VEGFA is the primary driver of tumour angiogenesis — the formation of new blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to growing tumours. Tumours cannot grow beyond 1–2mm without neovascularisation; VEGFA secretion by tumour and stromal cells recruits endothelial cells to sprout new capillaries into the tumour mass.

Question 2

How is VEGFA regulated by hypoxia?

Accepted Answer

Hypoxia stabilises HIF-1α (by inhibiting the PHD enzymes that normally tag it for degradation), and HIF-1α directly activates VEGFA transcription. This creates a positive feedback loop: tumour growth causes hypoxia, which induces VEGFA, which drives angiogenesis that supports further tumour expansion.

Question 3

What drugs target VEGFA?

Accepted Answer

Bevacizumab (Avastin) is a monoclonal antibody that neutralises circulating VEGFA, blocking tumour angiogenesis, and is used in colorectal, lung, and ovarian cancers. Small-molecule VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib, sorafenib, axitinib) block intracellular signalling downstream of all VEGF receptors.

VEGFA Gene Function

Overview

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