VEGF-A 165 variant (human, recombinant)

VEGF-A is a member of the PDGF/VEGF family of growth factors that regulates the development, proliferation, and maintenance of the vascular system. VEGF-A exists as a homodimer and is secreted by endothelial cells, as well as fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, platelets, neutrophils, and macrophages. Alternative splicing of VEGFA pre-mRNA leads to the formation of eight isoforms, including the pro-angiogenic VEGF-A 165 variant (VEGF-165), which is the most abundant and biologically active form. VEGF-165 is composed of a signal peptide, a VEGFR1-binding domain, a VEGFR2-binding domain, a heparin-binding domain, and a C-terminal domain, which interacts with the extracellular matrix (ECM) and neuropilin (NRP). It is involved in embryonic development, wound healing, and neovascularization in diseases such as cancer. VEGF-165 induces angiogenesis in rabbit cornea, which can be reversed by the anti-angiogenic factor VEGF-165b. Serum levels of VEGF-165 are increased in patients with melanoma and positively correlated with metastasis. VEGF-165 levels are also increased in the serum, synovial fluid, and inflamed joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Cayman's VEGF-A 165 variant (human, recombinant) protein can be used for binding assay and cell-based assay applications. This protein consists of 165 amino acids and a predicted N-terminus of Ala27 after signal peptide cleavage.. Protein 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. Also binds the DEAR/FBXW7-AS1 receptor (PubMed:17446437). [The UniProt Consortium]