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VEGFA

OverviewProducts

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. NRP1/Neuropilin-1 binds isoforms VEGF-165 and VEGF-145. Isoform VEGF165B binds to KDR but does not activate downstream signaling pathways, does not activate angiogenesis and inhibits tumor growth. 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 (By similarity).

Involvement in disease

Microvascular complications of diabetes 1

MVCD1

Pathological conditions that develop in numerous tissues and organs as a consequence of diabetes mellitus. They include diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy leading to end-stage renal disease, and diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic retinopathy remains the major cause of new-onset blindness among diabetic adults. It is characterized by vascular permeability and increased tissue ischemia and angiogenesis.

None

Disease susceptibility is associated with variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

Sequence similarities

Belongs to the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family.

Tissue specificity

Isoform VEGF189, isoform VEGF165 and isoform VEGF121 are widely expressed. Isoform VEGF206 and isoform VEGF145 are not widely expressed. A higher level expression seen in pituitary tumors as compared to the pituitary gland.

Cellular localization

  • Secreted
  • VEGF121 is acidic and freely secreted. VEGF165 is more basic, has heparin-binding properties and, although a significant proportion remains cell-associated, most is freely secreted. VEGF189 is very basic, it is cell-associated after secretion and is bound avidly by heparin and the extracellular matrix, although it may be released as a soluble form by heparin, heparinase or plasmin.

Alternative names

  • Vascular endothelial growth factor A
  • VEGF-A
  • Vascular permeability factor
  • VPF
  • VEGFA
  • VEGF

Database links

Target type

Proteins

Primary research area

Oncology

Other research areas

  • Cardiovascular
  • Immuno-oncology
  • Neuroscience

Molecular weight

27042Da