Definition of VEGF

VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor, a substance made by cells that stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis. VEGF also acts as a mitogen for vascular endothelial (vessel lining) cells, stimulating these cells to divide and multiply.

VEGF is a polypeptide. It is structurally related to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). The gene for VEGF is on chromosome 6p12.