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VEGFA

Developmental stage

Levels increase during pregnancy (maximum 5.5-fold at 5 days) and a more marked increase occurs during lactation (maximal 9.7-fold at 7 days). Levels decrease progressively during the phase of involution.

Domain

Isoform VEGF-3 contains a basic insert which acts as a cell retention signal.

Function

Growth factor active in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and endothelial cell growth. Induces endothelial cell proliferation, promotes cell migration, inhibits apoptosis and induces permeabilization of blood vessels. Binds to the FLT1/VEGFR1 and KDR/VEGFR2 receptors, heparan sulfate and heparin. May play a role in increasing vascular permeability during lactation, when increased transport of molecules from the blood is required for efficient milk protein synthesis (By similarity). Binding to NRP1 receptor initiates a signaling pathway needed for motor neuron axon guidance and cell body migration, including for the caudal migration of facial motor neurons from rhombomere 4 to rhombomere 6 during embryonic development (PubMed:26503042).

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family.

Tissue specificity

In developing embryos, expressed mainly in the choroid plexus, paraventricular neuroepithelium, placenta and kidney glomeruli. Also found in bronchial epithelium, adrenal gland and in seminiferous tubules of testis. High expression of VEGF continues in kidney glomeruli and choroid plexus in adults.

Cellular localization

  • Isoform VEGF-1
  • Secreted
  • Isoform VEGF-2
  • Secreted
  • Isoform VEGF-3
  • Cell membrane
  • Peripheral membrane protein
  • Remains cell-surface associated unless released by heparin.

Alternative names

  • Vascular endothelial growth factor A
  • VEGF-A
  • Vascular permeability factor
  • VPF
  • Vegfa
  • Vegf

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Oncology

Other research areas

  • Cardiovascular
  • Immuno-oncology
  • Neuroscience

Molecular weight

22440Da