Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor 121 (VEGF121, VEGF-121), human recombinant (rHuVEGF121)

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A was originally isolated from tumor cells and referred to as Tumor Angiogenesis Factor or Vascular Permeability Factor. Although expressed at high levels in certain tumor-derived cells it is produced by a wide variety of cell types. In addition to stimulating vascular growth and vascular permeability it may play a role in stimulating Vasolidation via nitric oxide-dependent pathways. Alternative splicing of the mRNA for VEGF-A results in several isoforms of the protein being produced. Rat and bovine VEGF are one amino acid shorter than the human factor, and the bovine and human sequences show a homology of 95 percent. In contrast to other factors mitogenic for endothelial cells such as FGF-1 , FGF-2 and PDGF, VEGF is synthesized as a precursor containing a typical hydrophobic secretory signal sequence of 26 amino acids. Glycosylation is not required for efficient secretion of VEGF. Recombinant Human VEGF-121 produced in insect cells as an 18kD homodimer, is a glycosylated, polypeptide chain containing 121 amino acids and having a molecular mass of ~36kD.. VEGF121 circulates more freely than other VEGF forms, which bind more tightly with vascular heparin sulfates. Recombinant Human VEGF-121 is purified by proprietary chromatographic techniques. , Biological Activity: , Determined by the dose-dependent stimulation of the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) using a concentration range of 2-5ng/ml, corresponding to a Specific Activity of 5 x 10e5 IU/mg. Storage and Stability: Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 6 months after receipt at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile PBS. Upon reconstitution, store product at 4ºC for 4-7 days. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial prior to removing the cap.