Growth/signaling f.
Molecular type
Function
References
VEGF
Cytokine
Initiator of vessel remodeling and repair
[72,157,158]
bFGF
Heparin-binding protein
Initiates proliferation of EC and SMCs
[72,159]
HGF
Mitogen
Stimulates growth of ECs
[160]
PDGF
Mitogen
Recruits SMCs, promotes maturation of the blood vessel
[72,161,162]
Angiopoietin-1
Growth factor
Promotes blood vessel maturation, regulates homeostasis
[163]
Table 4:
Angiogenic growth factors involved in vasculogenesis with a brief description of their essential roles in the process. The signaling factors are arranged in chronological order according to their function.