Vascular endothelial growth factor causes the proliferation (cell division) of new endothelial c. Match the steps in this pathway. 1. v [ Choose] ERK protein phosphorylates ELK to initlate the increase transcription of genes controlling cell division GTP exchange factor activates ras activated ras binding to Raf kinase VEGF receptor binds to a SH2 domain protein (also known as GRB) VEGF binds to VEGF receptor causing dimerization.