VEGF family in cortical development

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been extensively recognized as a crucial angiogenic factor that regulates both physiological and pathological blood vessel development in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Emerging evidence indicates that VEGF and its receptors are also expressed in various non-EC types. Studies have shown that VEGF is secreted by neuroepithelial cells during neural tube formation in mouse embryonic day 8.5. This suggests that VEGF may have functions beyond angiogenesis, particularly in brain development. Additionally, the disruption of VEGF signaling has been linked to the development of cerebral cortical malformations, further supporting the potential role of VEGF in brain development. In this review, we summarize studies that elucidate the roles of VEGF signaling in regulating embryonic cortical neural progenitor expansion during early embryogenesis. We then explore the VEGF functions in promoting cortical neurogenesis and discuss the impact of the VEGF family on the regulation of the cerebrovascular system and cortical gliogenesis. Finally, we elaborate on the significance of the VEGF family in cortical-related disorders, noting that both deficiency and excessive expression of VEGF can adversely affect cortical development, resulting in cortical malformations. Overall, this review presents an updated and comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted regulatory roles of the VEGF family in the embryonic brain, offering insights into the underlying mechanisms of brain development.