VEGFA

GeneName

VEGFA

Summary

VEGFA, also known as VEGF or vascular endothelial growth factor A, is a 44kDa secreted protein that plays a pivotal role in angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones. It is expressed in various tissues and is particularly important in endothelial cells, where it stimulates endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival. VEGFA functions by binding to its receptors, primarily VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, initiating signalling cascades that promote vascular development and permeability. Additionally, it is involved in processes such as cell maturation, response to hypoxia, and the regulation of vascular permeability, making it essential for normal physiological processes and tissue homeostasis.

Importance

VEGFA is relevant to: - Cancer research, as it is often upregulated in tumours, promoting angiogenesis and tumour growth - Cardiovascular diseases, where it plays a role in ischaemia and tissue repair - Ocular diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy due to its involvement in abnormal blood vessel growth - Inflammatory conditions, as it mediates the recruitment of immune cells to sites of inflammation - Developmental biology, given its critical role in embryonic vascular development and organogenesis

Top Products

For researchers investigating VEGFA, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies that cater to different applications. The first is the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-VEGFA antibody (ab46154), which has garnered 836 citations, underscoring its reliability in Western blotting (WB) and ELISA. This antibody is a trusted choice for those focusing on these specific techniques. Additionally, we offer the recombinant monoclonal antibody, Anti-VEGFA antibody [EP1176Y] (ab52917), which is validated for use in immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), and flow cytometry (FC). With 283 citations, this antibody is also well-regarded in the research community. The recombinant nature of this product ensures batch-to-batch consistency, making it an ideal option for researchers seeking dependable VEGFA detection across multiple applications. The Recombinant human VEGF 165A protein (Active) ELISA Kit (ab259412), supported by 3 citations, is an excellent option for researchers looking to accurately measure VEGFA levels in their experiments.

Abcam Product Citation Summary

The data indicates a significant focus on the role of VEGFA in various human and animal models, particularly in the context of cancer, angiogenesis, and metabolic conditions. The use of Abcam antibodies in studies involving hypoxia, diabetes, and tumor microenvironments highlights the importance of VEGFA in these biological processes. The diverse applications, including Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, suggest a robust interest in understanding VEGFA's function and regulation across different tissues and conditions.

Abcam Product Citation Table

Function

N-VEGF

Participates in the induction of key genes involved in the response to hypoxia and in the induction of angiogenesis such as HIF1A (PubMed:35455969). Involved in protecting cells from hypoxia-mediated cell death (By similarity).

VEGFA

Growth factor active in angiogenesis, vasculogenesis and endothelial cell growth (PubMed:34530889). 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. Binds to the NRP1/neuropilin-1 receptor. Binding to NRP1 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). Also binds the DEAR/FBXW7-AS1 receptor (PubMed:17446437).

Isoform VEGF165B

Binds to the KDR receptor but does not activate downstream signaling pathways, does not activate angiogenesis and inhibits tumor growth.

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.

Post-translational modifications

Vascular endothelial growth factor A, long form

Produced by use of an alternative upstream CUG codon and post-translationally processed into the N-terminal N-VEGF form and the C-terminal secreted VEGFA form.

Sequence Similarities

Belongs to the PDGF/VEGF growth factor family.

Tissue Specificity

Higher expression in pituitary tumors than the pituitary gland.

Isoform VEGF189

Widely expressed.

Isoform VEGF165

Widely expressed.

Isoform VEGF121

Widely expressed.

Isoform VEGF206

Not widely expressed.

Isoform VEGF145

Not widely expressed.

Cellular localization

• N-VEGF
• Cytoplasm
• Nucleus
• Cytoplasmic in normoxic conditions and localizes to the nucleus under hypoxic conditions.
• VEGFA
• Secreted
• Isoform L-VEGF189
• Endoplasmic reticulum
• Golgi apparatus
• Secreted
• Extracellular space
• Extracellular matrix
• Isoform VEGF121
• Secreted
• Isoform VEGF165
• Secreted
• Isoform VEGF189
• Secreted
• 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

VEGF, VEGFA, L-VEGF, Vascular permeability factor, VPF

Database links

swissprot:P15692 omim:192240 swissprot:Q96KJ0 entrezGene:7422

Other research areas

• Cardiovascular
• Immuno-oncology
• Neuroscience