The original functional discovery of VEGF, which was initially called vascular permeability factor (VPF). Increased vascular permeability can facilitate leakage of plasma proteins such as fibrinogen, which can then form an extracellular fibrin gel-effectively, a provisional extracellular matrix that promotes development of new blood vessels. Also, the first paper to suggest a mechanism for ascites fluid accumulation caused by tumors such as ovarian cancer.
